Berlin (HRNW)- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has denied allegations that his government is attempting to normalize relations with Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban movement, emphasizing that current contacts are limited to technical cooperation regarding deportation procedures.
According to reports, while addressing a session of the German parliament, Merz stated that Germany does not recognize the Taliban government and has no plans to establish political relations with it. He clarified that existing interactions with Afghan authorities are confined to matters that serve Germany’s national interests, particularly the return of Afghan nationals convicted of crimes in Germany.
The Chancellor said that diplomatic relations between Germany and Afghanistan exist at the state level and have not been formally severed, but Berlin’s engagement with Kabul remains strictly limited. He revealed that German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt is holding discussions with Afghan representatives to facilitate the deportation of convicted Afghan citizens and that the government fully supports these efforts.
The issue has gained prominence amid growing political pressure in Germany to accelerate the deportation of asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected or who are subject to court orders. Afghans remain one of the largest groups of asylum seekers in Germany and across Europe, making the matter particularly sensitive.
Merz’s remarks came shortly after the German Foreign Ministry announced that additional Afghan diplomats linked to the Taliban administration are expected to arrive in Germany to strengthen consular services, including the issuance of passports and official documents needed for deportation procedures. German authorities stressed that all incoming consular personnel will undergo security and administrative vetting and that these arrangements do not constitute political recognition of the Taliban government.
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