German Ambassador calls on Foreign Minister

(2011-12-07)

Dr. Michael Koch, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, called on Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, today. The Ambassador briefed the Foreign Minister about the deliberations at the recently-held Bonn Conference on Afghanistan and about its conclusions.

The Ambassador highlighted that the conference conclusions were aimed at securing internal stability in Afghanistan, enabling the ISAF/NATO to conclude their combat role, as well as wrap up the Provincial Reconstruction Teams by the end of 2014. He also highlighted the importance of stepping up the political process in Afghanistan on the basis of the principles as enunciated in the outcome document of Bonn Conference.

The Foreign Minister thanked the Ambassador for the briefing, commending Germany for its positive contributions towards attaining normalcy in Afghanistan. She underlined that Pakistan was committed to an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. Pakistan looked forward to contribute, as effectively as possible, in an environment free from recrimination and blame-game and on the basis of mutual respect and mutual trust.

She emphasized that Pakistan fully understood the imperative of peace and stability in Afghanistan, adding that it was equally essential for Pakistan’s friends to fully acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifices it had been rendering, especially since 9/11. The Foreign Minister said that Pakistan wanted the international community to succeed in Afghanistan because it was in Pakistan’s own strategic interest.

Islamabad
07 December 2011

354/2011