Less chances of prosperity if countries turn their backs to multilateral cooperation: Steinmeier

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier today said there were less chances of prosperity if countries turn their backs to multilateral cooperation, but noted that India's neighbourhood was not the easiest space for international cooperation, in an apparent reference to strained Indo-Pak relations.

Delivering a lecture on 'India-Germany Ideas and Perspectives' here at Delhi University, an event which coincided with Shaheed Diwas, Steinmeier said Bhagat Singh, who was once labelled as a "criminal", was now celebrated as a "national hero".

"Bhagat Singh was executed as a criminal for his violent resistance to British rule, today his statue can be seen in the Parliament House. How extraordinary. A man once labelled as a criminal now is a national hero," he said.

Today marks the martyrdom day of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru.

The German President said there are many people in the world who do not want to talk.

"We can see many recent examples of countries behaving this way and turning their backs on multilateral cooperation. We see countries that question the value of rules and agreements and seek strength and prosperity in isolation and concentration," he said, adding that such traits would undoubtedly not bring prosperity.

"What will happen if every country, if India and Germany, started acting that way? What would happen if we all retreated to our own private spaces with none to talk to. What will happen to culture, commerce, innovation, global stability and our own security," Steinmeier said.

In an apparent reference to strained Indo-Pak relations, the Presiden said India's neighbourhood is certainly not the easiest space for international cooperation.

"Over the past few years, there have been too many setbacks for those who believed in an open and cooperative move. Cooperation requires dedication and stamina. But that's no reason to stop working together," he said, mentioning about solid foundations in navigation in Indian Ocean that India and Germany have built to protect international waters.

"But we could make this legal framework even stronger. In times of setbacks, I believe we should emphasise such examples and continue sending messages of cooperation," he added.

Emphasising about foundation of strategic partnership between both the countries, the President said, "In an increasing multi-polar world, we both understand that no single nation will be able to manage global engagement alone. We understand there is importance to emphasise what matters rather than focussing on our disagreements."
Mentioning about the factors that are not favourable to a democracy, he said, "If you are going to harass researchers on the basis of political beliefs, then soon the democracy will dry up. We should also continue defending freedom of speech rather than discrediting uncomfortable truth as fake news and blurring the boundaries between facts and opinion."