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Since the Taliban were defeated in 2001, Afghanistan has seen unparalleled international support – including from Germany, which is active in the Hindu Kush with extensive military and civilian resources. Even if a comprehensive domestic peace is still far away – the country’s economy and society have made remarkable progress. In the following pages, we would like to give you some insight into the multifaceted cooperation between Germany and Afghanistan. Why? Because the German Cooperation with Afghanistan has achieved considerable success, despite the persisting challenges.

Germany and Afghanistan have maintained close ties since the turn of the 20th century. In 2015, the two countries celebrated 100 years of Afghan-German friendship. Today, Germany’s support for Afghanistan focuses on development cooperation, stabilisation measures and humanitarian aid alongside training, advice and support for the Afghan defence and security forces. The aim is to make a contribution towards the country’s democratic and peaceful development and to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorism again.

At the Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan in 2012, the international community agreed to continue its civil commitment until 2024, a commitment that was renewed at the ministerial conferences in London (2014), Brussels (2016) and most recently in Geneva (2018). The Afghan Government largely assumes responsibility for the reform steps jointly agreed with the international community, although it relies on the long-term commitment of the latter.

Germany will in future continue to provide Afghanistan with substantial funding for civil reconstruction efforts, thereby supporting the country in fighting poverty, establishing good governance and improving economic conditions. The objective is to create the foundation for lasting stability, security and peace.

The German Government’s civil-society initiatives in Afghanistan are implemented by Afghan, German and international experts deployed on behalf of the German Government by the official implementing organisations KfW Development Bank and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH as well as various international and local non-governmental organisations. In recent years, the number of experts deployed has decreased and, increasingly, Afghan experts are involved to a large degree in selected measures.

Germany’s efforts in Afghanistan aim to contribute towards the development of a state structure that is considered legitimate throughout the country on account of its ability to effectively ensure security, law and order as well as economic development, and to thereby foster stability. A lasting improvement shall be made to the living conditions and future prospects of people in Afghanistan, thereby enabling peace, security and growth.

The following pages provide an overview of Germany’s support for civil reconstruction and development in Afghanistan.

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