Berlin - The German government has made 70 million euros (110 million dollars) available for reconstruction projects in Afghanistan next year, Development Minister Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul said Wednesday after talks with Afghan government ministers.

"The people in Afghanistan can rely on Germany. We will continue to stand at the side of the country as a reliable partner in reconstruction and development," Wieczorek-Zeul said in Berlin.

The funds are part of the 420 million euros pledged for the period 2008-10 by Germany at the donor conference on Afghanistan held in Paris last week.

Afghan Finance Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Ahadi, Education Minister Mohamad Hanif Atmar and Rural Development Minister Ehsan Zia held talks in Berlin this week with German officials.

Discussions focused on the food situation in Afghanistan in the light of sharply rising world food prices and the impact of a severe drought on certain provinces.

Wieczorek-Zeul's ministry has already committed 70 million euros for 2008, with most of the funds earmarked for providing energy and drinking water, basic education and sustainable economic development.

The German Foreign Ministry has provided an additional 70 million euros for the Afghan police. (dpa)