Germany Hopes to Conclude Free Trade Talks with India this Year, Says Envoy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Germany hopes to finalise the free trade deal with India by the end of the year, according to Achim Burkart, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany to Karnataka and Kerala.

“In all that world of darkness, there is also hope and light,” the consul general said, addressing the guests at the German Day of Unity event held at Hotel Hyatt Regency in the city.

“One of these lights is the ever-growing good relations between India and Germany, and also the common willingness to finalise the Indo-European Free Trade Agreement by the end of this year.”

Regarding ongoing conflicts around the world, he stated that both countries are united in their commitment to the principles of the UN Charter.

He emphasised that his country will not rest until a sustainable and just peace is achieved in Ukraine, in accordance with the UN Charter.

“This UN Charter represents the hope that jointly agreed rules are stronger than arbitrary violence, that negotiations produce more sustainable solutions than the dominance of individuals, and that a life of dignity can be enjoyed by every human being,” he said.

“However, this promise, made by the world with the founding of the United Nations 80 years ago, is facing unprecedented pressure. India and Germany, together, will closely work together to defend these principles.”

G Vijaya Raghavan, Chairperson of the Goethe-Zentrum in Trivandrum and Kochi, welcomed the gathering, which Honorary Consul Dr Syed Ibrahim co-hosted.

Burkart presented prizes to the winners of the German Model Parliament, followed by a concert featuring Buck Roger and the Sidetrackers.