Germany has pledged 6.2 billion Afghanis in aid to Afghanistan to help the country strengthen good governance, sustainable economic development and municipal infrastructure.
An agreement to the effect was signed by State Secretary of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development Martin Laeger and Finance Minister Dr. Mohammad Humayon Qayoumi.
The aid would be provided by the end of 2019 as Afghan-German Cooperation projects, bringing the total German commitment to Afghanistan this year to 18.1 billion Afghanis.
Qayoumi said: “Kabul acknowledges assistance from the German government in supporting Afghanistan on its path to building a stable democracy.”
He hoped: “Contributions to good governance, sustainable economic uplift and employment, urban development and municipal infrastructure will help the government of Afghanistan move towards efficiency and self-sustainability.
“I sincerely thank the German government for continuing to help us make Afghanistan a safer and more prosperous place,” the minister added.
Laeger affirmed Germany’s willingness to continue to support Afghanistan on its path towards peace and democracy.
“Any future support needs to build upon the development gains made since 2001, particularly those which have benefitted women and girls. Germany will continue to play a prominent role as a long-term supporter of Afghanistan.”
In April 2019, the German government made a commitment of 5 billion Afghanis (EUR 59 million) towards development cooperation.
A further amount of 6.8 billion Afghanis (EUR 80 million) was provided for the financing of the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) in September 2019.
This World Bank-administered fund seeks to stabilize Afghanistan by promoting good governance.
