German Foreign Minister Dr Guido Westerwelle said there is a need to reform and restructure the United Nations (UN) to reflect the changed global scenario.
Addressing a joint press conference with his Indian counterpart S M Krishna here on Friday, Dr Westerwelle said: “We have to restructure the architecture of the UN to reflect the changed time and situation. The current situation in the world should be represented in the Security Council permanent membership.”
Stating that he had substantial and productive talks on a number of issues, including reforms of the UN, with his Indian counterpart, Dr Westerwelle said, “India and Germany share the same views on the UN reforms.”
On the current situation in Afghanistan, he said, “I assured Krishna that our commitment to Afghanistan will not stop at the end of 2014 post the withdrawal of the international combat troops. In the interest of long term stability in the region we will continue to provide Afghanistan with civil assistance.”
On the Iranian nuclear programme, the German Minister said, “Iran has the right to use nuclear energy for civilian purposes, but it also has to fulfil international obligations on concerns over the nature of its nuclear programme.”
Krishna said he had cordial talks with Dr Westerwelle on various issues pertaining to bilateral relations as well as G20 process, global financial crisis and reform of global institutions like UN. “In addition to traditional areas of cooperation, we discussed improving bilateral relations,” he added.