External Affairs S. M. KRISHNA and Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany DR Guido Westerwelle held discussions in Bangalore today. The two leaders are in Bangalore on the occasion of the opening Ceremony of the Indo-German Urban Mela called as “Germany and India 2011-2012 Infinite
Opportunities” being held in Bangalore to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relationship betweeen the two countries.

During the press briefing Krishna recalled India’s deep and sustained bilateral relations with Germany and areas of cooperation forged between the two sides. He said, bilateral trade with Germany is pegged at 18 billion Euros and could reach 20 billion Euros by this year end. He felt that sovereign debt and banking crisis in Europe will have grave implications for global economy and appreciated Germany’s commitment to help Europe wriggle out of this crisis.

The German Foreign Minister said that they share the same goal as India that architecture of the United Nations has to be changed. On Afghanistan, Westerwelle observed that Germany will not stop its cooperation at the end of 2014 after withdrawal of international combat troops. He appreciated India’s effort in calling Private Sector conference in Delhi on June 28th to

attract investments in Afghanistan for its growth and development. On Iran, the minister noted that Germany agrees that Iran has the right to use nuclear energy for civil reasons but added that Tehran also has to fulfill its international obligations concerning transparency and nature of its nuclear programme. He said Germany is keen on conclusion of a free trade agreement between the European Union and India.