Afghanistan: Steinmeier talks security during unannounced Afghan visit

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier held a joint press conference with Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani shortly after arriving in Kabul, Sunday, on an unannounced one-day visit to Afghanistan. During the press conference Steinmeier stated that his trip came at a time when Afghanistan was "in a difficult transition period facing many challenges in the security sector, among others." The German foreign minister noted that this was "partly connected to the gradual withdrawal of international troops and because Afghan security forces have increasingly taken over the responsibilities in the recent years." Steinmeier also reportedly urged the Afghan government to continue their peace talks with the Taliban and pledged further German aid to the country.