Germany to provide 15m anti-COVID jabs to Pakistan

In a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas in Berlin, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood said that Germany is an important country not only in the European Union but also in the world however Germany is Pakistan's largest trading partner.

He said that Pakistan wants to further strengthen relations in all sectors, adding that support in FATF by Germany is a sign of its confidence in Pakistan's policies.

Meanwhile, FM Qureshi wrote on his official Twitter handle "Following my meeting with Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, I am happy to announce that Pakistan will receive 15 million doses of the #COVID vaccine under COVAX, with a commitment for these to be delivered by May,".

Following my meeting with Foreign Minister @HeikoMaas, I am happy to announce that Pakistan will receive 15 million doses of the #COVID vaccine under COVAX, with a commitment for these to be delivered by May. ?? ??

— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) April 12, 2021

He said that Germany under the leadership of Chancellor Merkel has made great advances.

Shah Mehmood said that “we are all facing the challenge of COVID-19 at the moment,” however, Germany has expressed its commitment to provide 15 million vaccines by May for which Pakistan is grateful to German leadership.

Speaking on the occasion, the German foreign minister said the two sides held a constructive discussion on enhancing bilateral trade and investment. He said Pakistan is of great importance for Germany.

The German diplomat also said Pakistan has played great efforts for a peaceful solution to the conflict in Afghanistan. He said any situation in Afghanistan intensively influences Pakistan.

COVAX— a platform to ensure coronavirus shots reach those in greatest need—is led by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and has promised to deliver two billion doses of safe and effective vaccines to at least 172 countries by the end of 2021.