Germany to give $190 mn to Afghanistan after 2014

Berlin, May 16 (IANS) Germany will give 150 million euros ($190 million) worth of cash aid to Afghanistan a year after international peacekeeping forces pull out on schedule in 2014 as part of an agreement signed by both countries Wednesday.

Chancellor Angela Merkel said the aid to Afghanistan was a reflection of Germany's long-term commitment to the country, Xinhua reported.

"Afghanistan's fate is close to our heart," Merkel said, adding the pledge of long-term aid marked a "milestone" in the two countries' relations.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai said the funds would be used in training its security forces and building the country into a better and stronger country.

Germany has some 4,900 soldiers engaged in peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan, making it the third largest contributor to the 130,000-strong NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, after the US and Britain.