German FM to head to Pakistan for talks on Afghan stability
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Berlin, Jan 7, IRNA -- German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle is to head to Pakistan on Friday evening for talks on stabilizing Afghanistan, a German official said in Berlin.
Speaking at a routine weekly press briefing, foreign ministry spokesman Andreas Peschke said the minister is to meet in Islamabad on Saturday with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.
Peschke stressed Westerwelle's visit to Pakistan was aimed at showing 'support for a key country in the region.'
He reiterated Pakistan's 'key role' in creating a lasting stabilization of Afghanistan.
Germany has repeatedly urged Pakistan to play a more constructive role in Afghanistan amid news reports that Pakistan's secret service ISI is still supporting the radical Taliban militia.
The German official made clear Pakistan was facing 'enormous political and economic challenges.'
Berlin and Islamabad have deepened military and security ties over the past years as part of an ongoing strategic dialogue.
There are regular talks with Pakistan army officials on security and military issues which include counter-terrorism and training of Pakistani officers in Germany.
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