German Foreign Minister (FM) Heiko Maas assured Afghanistan during a visit to Kabul on Thursday of continued support after the withdrawal of NATO troops.
The visit comes only two days before the start date of the official withdrawal of NATO troops from the country.
"Germany remains a reliable partner on the side of the people in Afghanistan," Maas said following his arrival. He also affirmed that the military operations would end soon, but on all other levels Germany's involvement would continue.
"To guarantee a good and secure outlook for the Afghans is in our European interest," Maas explained. "We want to avoid a relapse to old times at all costs."
In the same vein, Maas is scheduled to meet President Ashraf Ghani and visit the Mazar-i-Sharif Bundeswehr camp. The visit is taking place under massive security measures, as they will focus on discussing the time after the withdrawal.
"The peace process needs a new diplomatic push," the Minister said. "There is no simple negotiated solution, but the negotiations remain the best chance for a sustainable, secure and stable future for the country."
Moreover, the foreign minister also assured further financial aid for civil society, as Germany has promised to provide 430 million euros (520 million dollars) this year, and the same sum each year until 2024.
Nonetheless, the government wants to make the funds conditional on the development of the peace process and other factors such as human rights.
About two weeks ago, NATO decided to withdraw around 10,000 soldiers still stationed in Afghanistan after almost 20 years of military engagement.
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