German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas in a Kabul meeting with the chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah communicated Chancellor Merkel's message that Germany will stand by the people of Afghanistan and “shall continue its support in different fields including to the ANDSF,” Abdullah's office said. 

“We consider ... Germany as a strategic and reliable partner of Afghanistan and appreciate its contribution to the peace process,” Abdullah said. “We also underlined the importance of a unified position within the republic in support of peace as well as preserving our gains.” 

The German foreign ministry tweeted that during the meeting with President Ghani and Abdullah, Maas said: “Important to be in Kabul today to send the clear message to the Afghan government: We will continue to support Afghanistan.” 

“Even the Taliban know that this wounded country is in massive need of international aid. This will most certainly end if the Taliban reverses what has been achieved in Afghanistan in terms of human rights and democratic standards,” he said.  

He also mentioned that a lot has been achieved in Afghanistan, adding that “from life expectancy to the issue of girls being able to go to school. This is also the result of the engagement of the Bundeswehr which has ensured greater security.” 

He said that Germany remains a committed partner to the people of Afghanistan.  

“The military mission is ending, but we are continuing our engagement in all other fields of cooperation,” he added. 

Germany will match US plans for the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said on April 14, adding she expected a NATO decision to this effect after a special session of the alliance later on Wednesday. 

US President Joe Biden this month announced all US forces would pullout of Afghanistan by September 11.