ISLAMABAD (AFP) -- Germany stands ready to help Pakistan overcome its security and economic problems, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said in an interview published Tuesday ahead of a visit here.

""My country has an interest in Pakistan's stabilization and sustainable development. The situation in Pakistan at the moment is not easy,"" he told The News daily.
""Germany would like to assist the Pakistanis and the newly-elected democratic government during this difficult time.""
Pakistan is facing up to a worsening security situation in its U.S.-backed fight against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban and needs up to 4.5 billion dollars (3.5 billion euros) to deal with a balance of payments crisis.
Steinmeier said that in the short-term, Germany ""would like to help solve"" issues like extremist threats and the financial situation, which could yet see Islamabad apply to the International Monetary Fund for help.
In the long-term, Berlin wants to contribute to strengthening the rule of law, human rights and civil society, he added.
On Afghanistan, where Germany is planning to increase its troop numbers to 4,500, Steinmeier said Afghan-Pakistan cooperation was key to resolving the conflict.
""One of the aims of my visit is to discuss how we can also strengthen the political and regional dimension"" of internationally-backed projects to promote better bilateral cooperation, he added.
""You will not stop Al-Qaeda by drilling a well, but you might help reduce militant opposition if you provide job prospects to the young and uneducated in the border region,"" he said.
Steinmeier is scheduled to meet Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in Islamabad and then visit Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, German officials said last week.