The German government welcomes the agreement reached by the two presidential contenders, Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, to establish a government of national unity.
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Germany will continue to support Afghanistan to the best of its ability, said federal government spokesperson Steffen Seibert. This includes Germany’s participation in a follow-up mission to ISAF.
The German government congratulated the two contenders in the presidential elections, Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, on their decision to establish a government of national unity, reported Steffen Seibert in Berlin. "Enormous challenges await the President-Designate Ashraf Ghani and his new government."
Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier also welcomed the agreement reached by the two presidential candidates. The new government must now move swiftly to tackle the economic and social challenges facing them, he said.
Germany will continue to support Afghanistan to the best of its ability, said Steffen Seibert. This includes Germany’s willingness to become involved in the mission to follow ISAF (the International Security Assistance Force).
The government spokesperson stressed that the bilateral security agreement between the USA and Afghanistan and the agreement on the status of NATO troops must be signed swiftly, to put in place the preconditions for the follow-on mission. It is now assumed that these will be signed without delay.
The ISAF mission ends on 31 December 2014. The mandate for the German contingent also ends on this day. The Bundeswehr is currently ensuring the return transport of thousands of tonnes of materials. It is the greatest logistical challenge it has faced to date. Parallel to this, preparations are underway for the follow-on mission. Germany remains one of Afghanistan’s main allies.
Most Afghans today enjoy a significantly higher standard of living than they did ten years ago. New infrastructure has been built, and more people than ever before now have access to education, water and medical care.
Progress in administration and public security are encouraging, but not yet sufficient. Development cooperation and civilian reconstruction are now especially important.