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Atmar, German Envoy discuss Afghan peace process
Acting Foreign Minister, Mohammad Haneef Atmar met with Markus Potzel, Special Representative of Germany for Afghanistan, Saturday afternoon to discuss the Afghan peace process among other topics.
The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the two sides discussed the obstacles and challenges facing the progress in peace talks, including the high level of violence and the call for an immediate ceasefire between the Afghan government and the Taliban.
FM @MHaneefAtmar in meeting with Ger. Special Envoy @PotzelMarkus discussed challenges of #peacetalks, preparation for #2020AfgConf & how aid efficiency can support a lasting peace. Amb. Potzel shared his thoughts about the process & reaffirmed Ger commitment to peace in AFG. pic.twitter.com/r9cQSnkgsm
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Afghanistan 🇦🇫 (@mfa_afghanistan) November 14, 2020
“At the outset, Foreign Minister thanked the people and government of Germany for their continued support and commitment to Afghanistan over the past 19 years, particularly the crucial role that Germany has played in the Afghanistan peace process,” the statement read.
According to the statement, the sides also discussed the preparation for the 2020 Conference on Afghanistan due to be held in Geneva on the 23-24 November.
“While emphasizing Germany’s support of the Afghanistan peace process and preservation of the democratic gains, including the Islamic Republic, Mr. Potzel said that his government is ready to participate and renew its commitment in the 2020 Conference on Afghanistan,” the statement noted.
Both sides have also stressed strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
“Pretzel assured Minister Atmar of his country’s continued commitment and cooperation with Afghanistan,” the statement concluded.
Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US special representative for Afghanistan, has questioned Pakistan’s commitment to the welfare of the Afghan people, citing Islamabad’s policies over the past three decades.
Khalilzad said in a post on X that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif advocated for the rights of Afghan women during his speech at the UN General Assembly on Friday.
Sharif said: “Fundamental rights of the Afghan people — especially women and girls — must be respected.”
Responding to the remarks, Khalilzad said Pakistan’s policies over the past 30 years raise questions about Sharif’s commitment to Afghan welfare.
He cited Pakistan’s support for militant groups against US forces and what he described as the poor treatment of Afghan refugees as examples.
Khalilzad also said Afghanistan and Pakistan need and should have much better relations, adding that “a reset is necessary.”
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Rabab Fatima, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X that Misri underscored the need to keep addressing the humanitarian needs of the Afghan people as a priority.
Misri also appreciated the role of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and reaffirmed India’s continued cooperation with the United Nations on Afghanistan.
The meeting comes as Afghanistan continues to face humanitarian and economic challenges, with international agencies warning of significant needs among the Afghan population.
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi has called for pragmatic and coordinated international engagement with Afghanistan, saying the country’s long-term stability is closely linked to the security and sustainable development of Central Asia.
Speaking during the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday, Tileuberdi said humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan remains essential but alone cannot break the cycle of poverty, displacement and dependency.
He said Kazakhstan supports a “pragmatic, coordinated and step-by-step” approach to international engagement with Afghanistan, with the United Nations playing a central role.
Tileuberdi also said Kazakhstan is working with the UN to operationalize the United Nations Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty.
He said the success of the centre should be measured by the results and assistance it delivers to the region.
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