I welcome the agreement to conduct a full audit of the presidential election in Afghanistan, which is a result of the mediation efforts of US Secretary of State John Kerry.

This is an important step forward.

The conditions are now in place for the historic opportunity provided by this election to be used to build a better future for the people in Afghanistan. The task now for the political leaders, especially the two candidates, is to adhere to the agreement they have made and to implement it swiftly and reliably.

Germany is willing to play an active role in this process in cooperation with the international community.