Berlin - Speaking a day after Germany announced it was boosting its military contingent in Afghanistan by 1,000, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Wednesday that civilian aid remained the focus of German help to Kabul.

Addressing parliament, Steinmeier said there had been "significant strides" in Afghanistan's development since the Taliban were driven out in 2001 "which one can be a wee bit proud of."

In that time, 13,000 kilometres of roads had been built, 8 million landmines had been cleared and 3,500 schools had been rebuilt or set up for the first time.

"Every well, every school, every kilometre of road is a small victory. This is what decides if hope is to gain the upper hand or if fear is to return," he said in an official policy statement.

On Tuesday, German Defence Minister Franz Josef Jung had said he would seek parliamentary authorization to boost the German troop presence in Afghanistan by 1,000 to 4,500.

The German troops operate in the more stable northern part of the country. Jung said there were no plans to change their location. (dpa)