German Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Michael Koch on Wednesday briefed Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar on the decisions taken in recent Bonn conference on Afghanistan. Pakistan, a key stakeholder in Afghanistan peace process stayed away from the conference in protest against the Nato attacks on Pakistan's two border checkposts in Mohmand Agency on November 26, resulted in martyrdom of two dozen soldiers, besides injuring a dozen other.
The German ambassador highlighted that the conference was aimed at securing internal stability in Afghanistan, enabling the ISAF/Nato to conclude their combat role, as well as wrap up the Provincial Reconstruction Teams by the end of 2014. He also highlighted the importance of stepping up the political process in Afghanistan on the basis of the principles as enunciated in the outcome document of Bonn Conference.
The foreign minister thanked the ambassador for the briefing, commending Germany for its positive contributions towards attaining normalcy in Afghanistan. She underlined that Pakistan was committed to an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. Pakistan looked forward to contribute, as effectively as possible, in an environment free from recrimination and blame-game and on the basis of mutual respect and trust.
She emphasised that Pakistan fully understood the imperative of peace and stability in Afghanistan, adding that it was equally essential for Pakistan's friends to fully acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifices it had been rendering, especially since 9/11.