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Even after the withdrawal of the Bundeswehr, the German government wants to make a contribution to the stabilization of the country in Afghanistan. "The military operation has always been just one element of our commitment," said Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas to the newspapers of the Funke media group (Friday). "We will continue our civilian support in the country in the future, because creating good and safe prospects for the Afghans is in our European interest," emphasized the SPD politician. For the peace negotiations within Afghanistan, Germany will "further intensify" its diplomatic efforts. These conversations are difficult. "But it is the most promising way to a sustainable and stable solution."
Federal Development Minister Gerd Müller (CSU) also emphasized the continuation of support for civil development, "with an adapted concept and strict conditions". "More than before," he wanted to involve non-governmental organizations, Müller told the Funke newspapers. According to the ministry, around 1,300 employees work on site for the development ministry for almost 40 projects. "The people need a perspective on site if we want to prevent the influx of refugees," emphasized the CSU politician. When it comes to implementing projects, you have to rely on local staff, said Müller.
Last week, NATO decided to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan after 20 years.
The US has officially named September 11th as the withdrawal date, but there is now talk of bringing it forward to July 4th.
Germany is the second largest provider of troops after the USA, there are currently 1,100 soldiers there.
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Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer (CDU) had also stated in a dpa interview that endangered Afghan Bundeswehr helpers should be simplified and brought quickly to Germany before they leave. The German contingent "Resolute Support" currently employs around 300 local staff. The managing director of the organization Pro Asyl, Günter Burkhardt, also demanded in the Funke newspapers that the local staff had to be brought out because they had a duty of care. Afghanistan will become a “Taliban country”. “The Taliban is threatened with an act of revenge,” said Burkhardt, justifying the demand.