KABUL (SW): The visiting German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier stressed on Sunday his country would advocate for the reconciliation process in Afghanistan not to be disturbed.
Steinmeier said this as he addressed the press alongside his Afghan counterpart Salahuddin Rabbani in Kabul. He is on an official trip to mark the 100-years of friendship between Afghanistan and Germany.
Addressing the journalists, the German Foreign Minister expressed support for the reconciliation process launched by the President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani. “Those who do not want peace in Afghanistan, we would support geting rid of them”, he said.
Steinmeir expressed hope Pakistan would continue playing its role in facilitating peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government. Salahuddin Rabbani said on the occasion that doors are open for those who wish peace in the country. “We want the friendly country Germany to convey to those promoting terror in Afghanistan that this policy is not in favour of Afghanistan and the region”, he said.
Earlier Steinmeir met the President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani at the Presidential Palace (Arg) at noon. Ghani told the visiting dignitary that the government forces have moved from defensive mode into offensive mode against the militants across the country. In the context of ties with Pakistan, the President explained that Afghanistan is pursuing a policy of non-interference and expects the same from its neighbours.
Steinmeir joined President Ghani, Cheif Executive Abdullah Abdullah and other officials to celebrate the 100-days of Afghan-German friendship celebrations at the Arg.
ENDS
