On March 19, President Hamid Karzai met with Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, in Berlin this morning.

Regional issues, the developments in Pakistan, the fight against terrorism and narcotics, and the continuation of Germany’s assistance to security and reconstruction in Afghanistan were discussed in detail.

President Hamid Karzai thanked Chancellor Merkel for Germany’s assistance to peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan, and explained Afghanistan’s achievements in the fight against terrorism and narcotics and strengthening security.

President Hamid Karzai called the relations between Afghanistan and Germany historic, and emphasized the expansion of bilateral relations and the continuation of Germany’s assistance to the training of national police and army, the strengthening of stability, and the improvement of Afghan economy.

Chancellor Merkel stressed the expansion of bilateral relations and assured the President of Germany’s continued assistance to Afghanistan.

Both sides agreed to focus on Afghanistan’s priorities such as energy, reconstruction of roads, and the improvement of education and the people’s awareness should raised about these priorities. The role of Government in reconstruction must be strengthened and the capacity of government institutions must be enhanced.