90 foreign ministers would take part in Bonn conference in December

BERLIN - Political solution is of paramount importance to Afghanistan problem but this cannot be achieved without the support of Pakistan. This was stated by the head of the Task Force for Afghanistan and Pakistan at Federal Foreign Office of Germany, Philipp Ackermann while talking to Pakistani delegation comprising officials from Ministry of Water and Power, IPDF, SMEDA and people from renewable energy in the German capital here Tuesday. The delegation is on a week-long visit on the invitation of German Foreign Office to discuss alternative energy in Germany and opportunities for Pakistan.

“We think that we cannot find solution to Afghanistan (issue) without Pakistan. Similarly, we feel that the political solution is of paramount importance to Afghanistan issue as we feel that military solution is not feasible”.
He said that 5,000 German soldiers were engaged in Afghanistan for the first time outside the European continent. German people were against sending their troops to Afghanistan, he added.

Ackermann said that every ally in war against terrorism is of the opinion now that political solution is the only solution to Afghan issue and this political solution must imply Pakistan. Pakistan is working in a very constructive way in this regard, he noted.
He pointed out that the German government was keen in this regard and had held meetings with Pakistani authorities including Prime Minister Gilani, General Kiyani and Minister of State Ms. Hina Khar to explore the possibilities for Afghan solution.
Referring to German efforts to Afghan solution, he pointed out that 90 foreign ministers would take part in Bonn conference this year in December which is being held after ten years. Chaired by President Hamid Karzai, this conference will have a regional approach to address Afghan issue, he hoped.

Ackermann was of the view that Pakistan was an important country in the region and it had enormous potential and talent for growth and development.
Talking of recent developments in Pakistan, head of Task Force said “Germany is closely observing these developments and we feel the government has made courageous efforts, adopted 18th Amendment and continued reconciliation efforts.
“However, we seek more efforts on reforms agenda particularly, energy, education and infrastructure development”.
He said “Germany wants that Pakistan and India must continue the process of composite dialogues to improve understanding and cooperation as we feel that this is the most promising approach to regional stability.

Earlier, head of cultural media relations Africa, Asia, Australia and Pacific and Latin America Michael Siebert said that Pakistan has a lot of potential for growth. Germany and Pakistan can cooperate in alternate energy and climate change, he added. (Monitoring Desk)