Foreword by the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier
After decades of war and destruction Afghanistan entered a new era in December 2001: with the signing of the Petersberg Accord, the foundation for the political and economic reconstruction of the country had been laid. Since then Germany has contributed significantly in the rebuilding of Afghanistan, both financially as well by way of personnel. Two aspects of this cooperation stand out in particular: the commitment of the Bundeswehr (German Federal Armed Forces) to guarantee security and stability in the country and Germany's assumption of responsibility for the reconstruction of Afghanistan's police force.
The reconstruction of a professional police and border police force, committed to the principles of rule of law, continues to present an enormous challenge - primarily for the Afghans themselves, but also for us as key partner and advisor. We are well aware of this immense responsibility, as we are mindful of this project's importance: the security, stability and economic development of Afghanistan are at stake. It is clearly in everyone's interest to see that this project succeeds.
40 German police advisors and a German Special Ambassador have been advising the Afghan Ministry of Interior on-site for the past four years with regard to rebuilding the police force. They are providing vocational and further training for police officers. Moreover, they are developing a customised Afghan education and training scheme and are organising incoming international support for the police and border police in general. The German Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry of the Interior in Berlin jointly coordinate these activities.
Today we can look back on four productive years of cooperation with our Afghan partners. The Afghan police force is once again able to perform its essential tasks. This is a considerable success. Yet much remains to be done. The reconstruction efforts must be spurred on in all regions. The police force requires a structure that ensures professionalism in the long-term. In the years to come, major challenges include reforms within the police force and the Interior Ministry as well as rebuilding an efficient border management regime. At the Doha II conference in late February 2006 we will therefore actively encourage, together with our Afghan partners, the establishment of regional cooperation structures as regards police and border management collaboration between Afghanistan and its neighbouring states.
Our commitment towards police reconstruction goes beyond the project itself: indeed, this venture has the potential to develop into a model for peace-keeping and the creation of an environment of stability and security - thus becoming part of a strategy for confronting the new global challenges of terrorism and cross-border crime beyond the borders of Afghanistan.