Zubair Qureshi
The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany observed on Friday an open air afternoon ‘German Unity Day’ reception held in the gardens of Serena Hotel. The reception was wistfully organized with colours of the German flag and the European Union spreading all over.
The decision to hold the reception in the afternoon and in the open turned out to be a wiser one as the guests enjoyed not only the warmth of the sun setting gradually in the west but also the hospitality of the German embassy.
Ambassador Alfred Grannas personally received each guest and made sure it was a weekend to be remembered for long for everyone in the guest list.
The German Day of Unity commemorates the formal reunification of East and West Germany on 3rd October 1990, culminating in the end of 41 years of separation and uniting Germans into one cohesive nation.
In his address the German Ambassador Alfred Grannas underscored the historical significance of German reunification, highlighting the remarkable achievements and progress made since that pivotal moment.
One could see distinguished guests in large numbers from Pakistan and the international community. Among the participants were representatives from German businesses, foundations, and organizations operating in Pakistan. They also included dignitaries and high officials from diplomatic, military, political, economic, and humanitarian sectors, reflecting the strong ties between Germany and Pakistan.
The celebration showcased stalls from various German organizations, including economic development partners GIZ, KfW, BGR as well as academic exchange service DAAD, Annemarie-Schimmel-Haus, and political foundations. These stalls provided a glimpse into Germany’s multifaceted engagement in Pakistan, illustrating the diverse contributions of German entities across various sectors.
A notable feature of the reception was the exhibition of two Buddy Bear Sculptures, intricately painted by the internationally renowned artist Ahmer Farooq. These sculptures creatively captured the exquisite designs and fusion of both cultures, adding a touch of artistry and symbolism to the festivities. The Buddy Bear Berlin was born in 2001, inspired by the idea of bringing art to the streets of Berlin. Each sculpture is unique displaying the Pakistani colours and motifs to the Buddy Bear.
Speaking on the occasion, an official of the Germany embassy said, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants for their presence and contributions, which greatly enriched the German Unity Day celebration, making it a memorable experience.”
