German Chancellor Says Cooperation with Islamic Emirate Limited to Technical Issues

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has rejected claims of normalizing relations with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. He stated that engagement is limited to technical cooperation in Germany's national interest, particularly to facilitate the deportation of convicted Afghan citizens, with no expansion of political ties.

Speaking in the German parliament, Merz emphasized that Berlin is not seeking to expand political relations with the Islamic Emirate and is not normalizing relations with the regime. He explained that Germany maintains diplomatic relations with Afghanistan as relations are between countries, not governments, but is not extending friendship to the Islamic Emirate.

The chancellor noted that the German government engages with Islamic Emirate representatives at the lowest technical level to facilitate deportation of Afghan citizens convicted of crimes in Germany. The German Foreign Ministry confirmed that up to four more Afghan diplomats may be permitted by the Islamic Emirate to operate in Germany for deportations and consular services, which are essential for issuing travel documents.

This limited form of contact reflects a focus on practical matters of national interest rather than any political development.