President Ashraf Ghani in a meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Presidential Palace on Thursday discussed Afghanistan’s security, peace and economy.

The German president arrived in Kabul with a high ranking delegation on Thursday. 

Pointing to the importance of Afghanistan’s mineral resources, Ghani suggested that German automobile companies should use the country’s lithium in their automotive industry, a press release issued by the Presidential Palace said. 

“Afghanistan’s mineral resources requires proper management. The quality of Helmand’s lithium is very high and it can be used in the automotive industry,” Ghani said.

In response to this, the German president said they will work on the use of Afghanistan’s lithium by Dutch companies.

He said Germany will continue its support to different sectors in Afghanistan.

Steinmeier said his country supports the Afghan peace talks process adding that he met with German troops in Balkh where they said the Afghan forces are becoming more capable. 

Ghani said the Afghan government continues its efforts to bring basic reforms particularly in the ministries of interior and defense. 

He said the ministries will be made professional and apolitical.

The two sides also discussed the upcoming parliamentary elections. 

He welcomed Germany’s technical support to the process and said the elections will be held in a transparent environment.