German FM arrives on two-day visit to Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD -- German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has arrived in Islamabad on a two-day official visit (August 30-31) to Pakistan to consult Pakistani leadership on the political and economic future of Afghanistan.

Diplomatic sources told The Nation that it is the second visit by the German Foreign Minister to Pakistan in the current year.

Diplomatic Sources said that Maas also plans to visit Uzbekistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan, three of Afghanistan's neighbouring countries, as well as Qatar, during what was scheduled to be a four-day trip.

During day-long stay in Islamabad the German Foreign Minister would meet Prime Minister Imran Khan and hold talks with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi at the Foreign Ministry. He is also expected to meet military leadership as well.

Sources said during talks with Pakistan leadership bilateral relations and cooperation in trade economy, defence and security would be discussed.

The security situation in Afghanistan would remain on top of the agenda of his talks with Pakistan leaders.

The German Foreign Minister in his official media statement said, 'It is in our own interest to prevent the collapse in Afghanistan from destabilising the entire region.' Maas also promised humanitarian and economic aid for neighbouring countries of Afghanistan.

In his statement he also called for international coordination in dealing with the Taliban.

Ahead of his trip, Maas said in a statement that evacuation effort to date has been a 'tour de force involving many partners' and that the situation in Afghanistan remains 'extremely volatile and dangerous.'

'Not only Afghans but also neighbouring states are facing challenges that they can hardly overcome on their own,' Maas said referring to...