German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has given a press conference before his visit to Tajikistan and other Asian countries, EurAsia Daily said on August 30.
German minister, in particular, noted that a series of terrorist attacks in the area and in the territory of the Kabul airport demonstrate that international terrorism strengthens its position again.
“A military-political vacuum has emerged, where IS and other terrorists are now rushing with terrifying speed,” German top diplomat was quoted as saying.
He added that the emerging situation affects not only Afghanistan but also neighboring countries.
“As a result of this development, not only Afghans but also neighboring countries face challenges, which they can hardly overcome alone,” Mr. Maas said.
Meanwhile, Radio Liberty says that during a stop in Turkey on August 29, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas promised economic and humanitarian assistance to countries sharing land borders with Afghanistan.
He reportedly said Uzbekistan is willing to open its borders to people fleeing from Taliban rule in Afghanistan who are on a German list of those in need of being evacuated from the war-torn country.
Speaking during a four-day trip to Central Asia, Pakistan, and the Middle East, Maas reportedly said on August 30 that the situation surrounding further evacuations of German citizens, local Afghan staff, and at-risk groups such as human rights activists and journalists in Afghanistan was the focus of his agenda.
From Uzbekistan, Maas is set to travel to Tajikistan for talks in Dushanbe later on August 30. The next day, he will have meetings in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad.
The German minister will also visit Qatar, where he is expected to talk with Taliban officials on continuing evacuation flights from Kabul once U.S. forces fully withdraw from the country.
