BERLIN: German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday said that Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, “is the identity of Pakistan.”

The Chancellor made the remarks during a press conference with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is on an official visit to Germany.

“A courageous girl like Malala Yousafzai is the identity of Pakistan,” said Merkel.

When asked a question regarding negative views of Malala in Pakistan, the prime minister shrugged aside the perception.

“I think Malala has done a great service for Pakistan, the country was very proud when she received the award,” said the prime minister.

The German Chancellor said that she held a very positive meeting with the prime minister where they discussed a number of issues including Afghanistan.

“A stable Afghanistan is in the best interest of Pakistan,” said the German Chancellor.

“Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and I had a very productive discussion...We want to improve bilateral relations between Pakistan and Germany,” Merkel said.

Nawaz said that he has officially invited the German Chancellor to visit Pakistan.

Germany eyes energy investments in Pakistan, says Merkel

German Chancellor Angela Merkel shakes hands with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif after their joint press conference. -AFP

During the press conference, Angela Merkel said Germany is looking to increase its investments in Pakistan, especially in the energy sector, provided the conditions are right.

Merkel said Germany's KfW state development bank was already involved in projects in Pakistan including hydro power plants, but added that the security situation was sometimes a deterrent.

“We can look at intensifying these (investments), as long as the conditions are right,” Merkel told the joint news conference.

Nawaz said that German companies had shown plenty of interest in his country's energy sector.

The prime minister arrived in Berlin on Monday for a two-day official visit on the invitation of Angela Merkel.

Nawaz will also address a Business Forum organised by the Pakistan Board of Investment, which is expected to be attended by a large number of German business executives and investors.

After concluding his official visit to Germany, the premier is expected to visit the UK from November 12 to 13 in order to inaugurate the Pakistan-UK Energy Dialogue and Investment Conference to be held in London.