Humanitarian assistance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of the main focuses of German humanitarian assistance. In 2007 the Federal Foreign Office has already made available a total of around 2.7 million euro for aid measures there organized by German NGOs and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
Read more: Humanitarian assistance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Agreement on central issues
The future of Kosovo and progress on the EU reform treaty were the focus of the Informal Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers on 7 and 8 September in Viano do Castelo, Portugal. The Ministers emphasized Europe's shared responsibility for the future of Kosovo. As Federal Minister Steinmeier outlined, "We expect both sides, Belgrade and Pristina alike, to seriously work on a solution".
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Afghanistan and Pakistan: strengthening regional cooperation
Security, stability and lasting peace in Afghanistan and the entire region can only be achieved if the countries in the region work closely together. Only joint efforts in the border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as on the borders to Afghanistan's other neighbours, will improve the security situation in the long term, uproot extremism and reduce drug trafficking. Germany, along with its partners, is therefore working to encourage more intensive cooperation in the region.
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The Darfur conflict in Sudan
The Federal Government has firmly advocated a political solution to the Darfur crisis. It has made available over 80 million euro in emergency assistance for the refugees to date. On 31 July 2007, The UN Security Council adopted a resolution authorizing the sending of the UNAMID peace mission. Germany will make a substantial contribution towards the financing of this mission.
Read more: The Darfur conflict in Sudan
Afghanistan - no reconstruction and no development without security
With its adjusted Afghanistan Concept, the German government sets the course for its future committment in Afghanistan. Civilian reconstruction and development in the country continue to be at the heart of Germany's commitment. Security and reconstruction are inextricably linked.
Read more: Afghanistan - no reconstruction and no development without security
Strengthening the European Neighbourhood Policy
On 3 September in Brussels, Minister of State for Europe Günter Gloser spoke about the relations between Europe and its neighbouring countries. The European Neighbourhood Policy makes a major contribution to fostering stability, security and prosperity in neighbouring countries and, consequently, in the EU itself, Mr Gloser said.
Read more: Strengthening the European Neighbourhood Policy
