Afghanistan Times
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AT News Report
KABUL: Minister of Foreign Affairs Salahuddin Rabbani met with the Foreign Minister of Germany Heiko Maas, where both sides discussed important issues and discussed current situation of Afghanistan.
Welcoming the German Foreign Minister and his accompanying delegation, Rabbani appreciated Germany’s assistance with Afghanistan from the Bonn Conference till today, the statement from Foreign Ministry said Monday.
Maas expressed his assurance about his country’s continued cooperation with Afghanistan and emphasized Germany’s comprehensive support with Afghanistan.
The two sides insisted on maintaining values and achievements of the past 18 years and called the sacrifices given by Afghanistan, Germany, and the International Community in keeping these values unforgettable. They also discussed peace negotiation, upcoming presidential elections, and bilateral agreements.
In the end of the meeting, they also answered the questions asked by journalists during a news conference.
Before to come to Kabul, German FM arrived in Mazar-e-Sharif in northern Balkh province on Sunday, to send a message confirming Germany’s commitment to conflict resolution and economic development in Afghanistan, the DW said in a report on Monday.
Germany is part of the NATO’s Resolute Support mission to train Afghan security forces and has around 1,200 soldiers stationed in Afghanistan, mostly in Balkh province.
“With the trip to Afghanistan and Pakistan, we want to send a clear message: Germany is committed to the responsibility which we have assumed as the second largest donor and contributor of troops in Afghanistan,” said Maas as quoted by the DW.
There are discussions in Berlin on the future of the German mission, and parliamentary debate on extending the mandate for Afghanistan, the report said.
The minister has argued for Germany’s engagement in Afghanistan to continue, while there are other voices calling for an exit strategy, the report added.
The German mission is largely dependent on US infrastructure in Afghanistan. Washington has announced plans to withdraw a significant number of troops from Afghanistan.
The German minister said he sees this as the “start of a new
phase,” saying “Peace is possible in Afghanistan.” He said elections in
Afghanistan is a sign of progress.
“The landmark presidential elections in Afghanistan are scheduled for July, and
there has been movement in the quest for a peace process with the Taliban, also
thanks to the US initiative,” he said as quoted in the report by DW. Maas
considered his journey “right now as an important and necessary sign”. After
Afghanistan, Maas will also visit Pakistan this week, the DW said in the
report.
