German President Christian Wulff arrived today on a state visit to Afghanistan, where he was met with full military honors by his Afghan counterpart, Hamid
Karzai.
Wulff said Germany would remain a "reliable and durable friend and partner" of Afghanistan after international forces hand over security responsibilities to the Afghans.
The president, after his meeting with Karzai, met representatives of Afghan civil society involved in human rights, especially the rights of women.
The trip was not announced in advance for security reasons.
Around 5,000 German troops are based in Afghanistan.
They are due to begin withdrawing at the end of this year.
compiled from agency reports
Karzai.
Wulff said Germany would remain a "reliable and durable friend and partner" of Afghanistan after international forces hand over security responsibilities to the Afghans.
The president, after his meeting with Karzai, met representatives of Afghan civil society involved in human rights, especially the rights of women.
The trip was not announced in advance for security reasons.
Around 5,000 German troops are based in Afghanistan.
They are due to begin withdrawing at the end of this year.
compiled from agency reports