KABUL -- German Defense Minister Rudolf Scharping arrived in the Afghan capital on Tuesday for talks with senior officials and to visit his country's peacekeeping troops.

Officials said he would join a peacekeeping patrol, meet members of the 571-Strong German Contingent and hold talks with senior members of the interim government led by Hamid Karzai.

Germany, a cautious supporter of the U.S. declared war on terrorism following the September 11 suicide attacks on New York and Washington, has said it is not pushing to take over the leadership of the multinational peacekeeping force.

It is expected to expand its contribution to 900 troops by the end of February, Reuters reported.