Pakistan’s newly elected Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday said that Pakistan wanted to expand its relations with Afghanistan and support the nation in its peace process.
He added that there needs to be a well-rounded policy to tackle the current situation in Afghanistan.
The premier added that Pakistan is ready to facilitate in the withdrawal process of coalition troops from Afghanistan and hoped that the Afghan Army and security forces would be able to manage the situation after the troops leave.
His comments came in after the German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, who is in Pakistan leading a six-member delegation, met with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Sunday.
Germany, which is a major stakeholder in Afghanistan, has made investments by stationing its troops and providing financial assistance. The German Foreign Minister also spoke to Nawaz Sharif about restoring peace in the war-torn country.
Guido Westerwelle, who is on a two-day official visit to Islamabad, said at a press conference that he was coming from Kabul where he had meetings with President Karzai and sought an assessment of the regional situation.
Westerwelle, who unexpectedly reached Kabul on Saturday, said that 600 to 800 German soldiers will remain in Afghanistan post 2014 and Germany will not forget Afghanistan after the coalition forces withdraw.
The German Foreign Minister said that his country expects a transparent, free and democratic election in Afghanistan.
After a meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, the German Foreign Minister opened a press conference with the Afghan Foreign Minister Zalmai Rasool, during which he said that his country will not leave Afghanistan alone and fully cooperate for lasting peace and stability in the region.
Germany will provide assistance to Afghanistan in terms of fighting corruption, strengthening of governance and empowering the civil society.
“While we withdraw our combat troops within the stipulated time, we will not forget Afghanistan post 2014. The opening of a German Consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif is a strong indication to the people of Afghanistan that we want to have a reliable and a sustainable relation with the country.”
The Afghan government is also optimistic over Germany’s assistance and its wish for good relations between the two countries.
Tolo News
Tags: Afghanistan, expand, its, Nawaz, Sharif, ties, to, with
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