The First Deputy PM met with representatives of the Netherlands and Germany for Afghanistan

Nov 18, 2021

The meeting took place at the ARG and the two sides discussed issues related to relations between Afghanistan and the two countries, humanitarian assistance, and improving the economic, social, and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.

During the meeting, Mullah Abdul Ghani Beradar, First Deputy PM, said that Afghanistan's frozen assets should be released and that if the international community does not address this issue, it will have dire consequences. "We want the international community to pay attention to the situation in Afghanistan, and if poverty in Afghanistan increases, it will have a negative impact on all of us, "he said.

Abdul Salam Hanafi, Second Deputy PM, was also present at the meeting. Mr. Hanafi said, "Security and conditions are more conducive to investment in Afghanistan than ever before, and they are urging these countries to invest in Afghanistan's mining, energy, and health sectors." He added, "Afghanistan and Germany have historical ties and (we) want to expand those ties."

He assured the German and Dutch envoys that the cultivation, trafficking, and processing of narcotics would be stopped and added that the farmers would be provided with an alternative economy in collaboration with the international community.

The German side said they are continuing their efforts to strengthen Afghanistan's education system and are looking for ways to pay teachers' salaries in the coming months.

The German special envoy to Afghanistan, Jasper Wieck, thanked the Islamic Emirate for providing security to the diplomatic corps and added that his country stands by the Afghan people.

He said that in addition to the previous aid to Afghanistan, the German PM had announced an additional 600 million euros of humanitarian aid. Mr. Mullah Saheb, First Deputy PM, assured Jasper Wieck that the assistance would reach the needy families in a transparent manner.