ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Germany, on Tuesday, urged the international community to develop a common strategy on Afghanistan, where both the countries called for an inclusive and representative government, as the United States completed its two-decade long Afghanistan’s mission.
The two sides exchanged views on the latest developments in Afghanistan, as well as, bilateral relations during delegation-level talks here, in which Germany was led by the country’s Foreign Minister Heiko Maas and Pakistan’s delegation was led by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
At a joint news conference at the conclusion of the two-day visit to Pakistan, German Foreign Minister Maas said that Germany is closely coordinating with Pakistan on Afghan issue, as well as, bilateral relations. He also expressed his gratitude to Pakistan for playing a significant role in evacuation of foreign nationals including Germans from Kabul.
“Germany stands ready to support the neighbouring countries of Afghanistan, experiencing the impact of Afghan situation,” he said, adding that Germany will not abandon the neighbouring countries of Afghanistan in facing the challenges.
The German foreign minister said that his country has already provided 100 million Euros in humanitarian assistance and 500 million Euros have also been pledged for various projects in the neighbouring countries of Afghanistan.
To a question, Foreign Minister Maas said that it is important that the broader region, including India should develop a common strategy.
“As far as the developments in Afghanistan are concerned, we need international unity. We need to stand united,” he emphasised.
He further said that it is important that all Afghans, even those who do not support the Taliban, feel represented in the future government in Afghanistan.
He added that while the Taliban have made commitments and pledges to form an inclusive government, “it remained to be seen whether their promises were reliable in the coming days.”
He added that Germany was preparing, in close coordination with others, to organise charter flights after the Kabul airport became operable again.
International community must remain engaged with Afghanistan: FM Qureshi
“We are already seeing that people are travelling via land routes to the borders of Afghanistan, and we need procedures to bring these people to Germany if they are eligible,” Foreign Minister Maas said in response to a query, adding that he had exchanged views on the matter with Pakistani officials during the two-day visit.
Maas said that he would also be travelling to Doha, Qatar for more talks on Afghanistan situation, adding they would see if the Taliban were sincere in honouring their commitments.
In his remarks, Foreign Minister Qureshi said that humanitarian assistance must flow and economic collapse of Afghanistan must not be allowed.
About the delay in formation of a government in Afghanistan, Qureshi said that the statements coming from the Taliban leadership suggest that they would announce the government once the withdrawal is completed.
“As the withdrawal has completed now, I think in the next few days we will expect an announcement of the government [in Afghanistan],” he stated in response to a query.
To another question, he said that Pakistan has been hosting over three million Afghan refugees for decades, providing them with education and healthcare facilities, as well as, livelihood opportunities.
He emphasised the need for creating such an environment in Afghanistan, so that the need for another exodus does not arise again.
About the collapse of Ghani government, Qureshi said they were not speaking the truth and misleading the West on the actual situation in Afghanistan, adding Ghani was shifting the blame to somewhere else.
He said Ashraf Ghani finally fled along with his aides and colleagues.
To a question about recognition of the future government in Afghanistan, Qureshi said the initial stage of the Taliban after taking over Kabul and their statements are encouraging and positive.
He said the Taliban will have to act on the pronouncements and respect the human rights and international norms.
However, he emphasised that international engagement was important and it would benefit the whole world.
He warned against repeating mistakes of the past, saying abandoning Afghanistan is not an option as it will have serious consequences.
To another query about ISIS-Khorasan’s threat to the peace and stability in the country and India’s role in supporting the terror outfit, Qureshi said that he has been constantly cautioning the international community about the role of the spoilers to derail the Afghan peace process.
He said the international community should remain vigilant of spoilers in Afghanistan, adding that the world community has to discern between those standing for peace and those playing the role of spoilers.
German FM undertakes two-day visit
On the bilateral relations, Qureshi said that Germany has been an important investor in Pakistan and there are opportunities to further enhance trade and promote relations in the areas of renewable energy, information technology, housing, electric vehicles etc.
He said there are also opportunities for German investors in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) being established under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The foreign minister also expressed satisfaction over the defense cooperation between the two countries.
Qureshi said that Pakistan has been extending all possible support to foreign governments and international organisations in evacuation of their diplomatic personnel, nationals, and others from Afghanistan, adding that Pakistan has facilitated evacuation of about 10,000 foreigners so far.
However, in a press release issued after the delegation-level talks, Foreign Office said that the two sides exchanged views on the latest developments in Afghanistan, as well as, bilateral relations.
He shared Pakistan’s perspective on evolving situation in Afghanistan.
He stated that for Pakistan, the immediate neighbour, who has suffered for 40 years from conflict and instability next door, a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was of vital importance.
Qureshi underlined that safety and security of Afghans and an inclusive political settlement would be important in this regard.
He stressed the need for international community to engage through positive messaging and constructive actions, adding that immediate steps were needed to address the humanitarian needs and ensure sustained economic stability.
He added that measures must be taken to stabilise the security situation, preserve peace, and preclude any mass exodus.
Qureshi added that positive engagement with Afghanistan will help advance these shared objectives.
He also apprised his German counterpart of his recent visit to neighbouring countries of Afghanistan and his interaction with various foreign ministers.
In the context of bilateral relations, Qureshi expressed satisfaction over growing cooperation in diverse fields.
Stressing the high value Pakistan attached to its relations with Germany, the foreign minister underscored the resolve to comprehensively upgrade the overall relationship.
The year 2021 marks the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Germany.
A range of events are envisaged by the two countries to celebrate this milestone in a befitting manner.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2021
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