New Delhi, May 15 (IANS): India and Germany are steadfast and dynamic partners on the global stage and their friendship is based on mutual trust and shared values, says Michael Steiner, Germany's ambassador-designate.

"The friendship between Germany and India is based on mutual trust and shared values," Steiner said upon his arrival here before taking over his new diplomatic assignment.

Steiner, prior to this posting, was the German special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan. He is expected to present his credentials to President Pratibha Patil soon, according to a release from the German embassy here.

"Over the years, Germany and India have become steadfast and dynamic partners on the international stage and I will focus on further strengthening this partnership during my stint in India," Steiner said.

Steiner, a veteran in foreign and security policy, acted as the national security adviser to then Federal Chancellor of Germany Gerhard Schroeder from 1998 to 2001. He was also head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) between 2002-2003.

He previously also served as German ambassador to the UN and Italy.

Among other assignments, he represented Germany as a member of the International Contact Group as well as head of the Special Task Force for Peace Efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina.