KABUL (SW) – Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and the German Chancellor Angela Merkel have criticized the escalating levels of violence parallel to the peace talks.
The two held a video conference last evening, said an official statement. It added during the video conference, President Ghani and the German Chancellor discussed the development of bilateral relations, regional issues and the Afghan peace process.
German Chancellor expressed concerns over the escalation of violence in Afghanistan and called for a ceasefire. “It is unacceptable that parallel to the negotiations, violence continues and harm the people,” she said. “Germany supports an independent and prosperous Afghanistan with a democratic system, and our efforts must lead to peace and stability in Afghanistan,” she said.
According to the statement, the German Chancellor announced her commitment to continue assistance to Afghanistan. The two sides also discussed the forthcoming NATO Defense Ministers’ Conference in February.
President Ghani thanked Germany for its assistance and cooperation in various fields. “We will make every effort to expand economic and trade cooperation between the two countries”, said Ghani. The President also provided detailed information on Afghanistan’s programs for peace and regional integration.
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