Germany announces €350m for Afghanistan’s reconstruction in 2016

Germany’s Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has said that his country remains committed to supporting Afghanistan, according to Khaama Press.

After attending meeting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Brussels on Tuesday, Steinmeier announced a fund of 350 million euros for Afghanistan’s reconstruction in 2016.

Steinmeier said that his country will also continue its role in training, advising and assisting the Afghan National Security and Defense Forces (ANDSF) and institutions under the umbrella of NATO’s Resolute Support mission, adding that the number of German troops would be increased to 980.

He added, however, the Afghan government should also fulfill its commitments to the international community and accelerate its pledges of reform, fighting corruption and the peace negotiation process with Taliban.

Peace talks between Afghan government and Taliban have been stalled since the death of Mullah Mohammad Omar, the Supreme Leader of Taliban, was confirmed after first round of the negotiation in Pakistan in July.

But the process is expected to revive as per the agreement of President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif.

The agreement was reached during a meeting on the sideline of the climate change conference in Paris on Monday.

Sources: MENA