President Karzai praised Germany as an "old friend" and thanked the government and its people for the help Germany has provided to the people of Afghanistan in the past six years.

The President said, “Germany has about three thousand troops serving in Afghanistan with its assistance reaching about $ 850 million so far.”

Chancellor Merkel stated that Germany is happy to continue to help Afghanistan until it can get back on its own feet. She assured the President that the training would be stepped up and Berlin's objective was to gradually put Afghanistan in a position to manage its own destiny. "Therefore, besides helping with development aid, we will boost economic cooperation in the future as well," she added.

Mrs. Merkel stated that Afghanistan was making progress in its efforts for training army and police and economic development. ``If Germany is to do more, then it's in building up the police force,'' Merkel said.

In answer to a question about insecurity in Bakwa and Gulistan districts in western Farah province, President Karzai said, “there is an operation going on to retake the districts. The reason for the fall of the districts to the Taliban is very clear: where there is lack of enough security forces, attacks by terrorists and their associates have increased.” The President continued, “It is not a big challenge, but certainly of concern.”

The President stated that Afghan security forces need more training and equipments to be able to face the challenges.

In respond to a question about German assistance to improve situation of the Afghan women, Chancellor Merkel pointed to their increased involvement in rebuilding girls’ schools and efforts aimed at economic empowerment of women especially in rural areas.

In answer to another question, German Chancellor said her troops under NATO will continue serving for security in norhtern Afghanistan.