“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the cowardly attack on innocent women, men and children peacefully celebrating Ashura at the Karte Sakhi shrine in Kabul. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and friends. Terrorists want to split Afghan society and sow hatred among religious and ethnic groups. They will not succeed.

Germany and the international community stand firmly by the Afghan people and support the Afghan army and police force defending their security. That is why, just a few days ago, Germany pledged annual support of up to 430 million euros for civilian reconstruction and development in Afghanistan.”