Hostage Released

"As of today, the German citizen, Rudolf Blechschmidt, who was kidnapped in Afghanistan is once again free," the foreign minister said in a statement, adding that the German ambassador in Afghanistan had spoken to the man by telephone. "We are happy and relieved."

Currently under the protection of Afghan security forces, the 62-year-old engineer is expected to return to the German Embassy in Kabul on Wednesday, according to Reuters.

A Pakistani news agency reported the four Afghans kidnapped with Blechschmidt were also released.

Blechschmidt and the Afghans with him were released in return for the release from prison of six Taliban members, said Mohammad Nahim, a district chief in the Wardak province, according to the Associated Press.

Blechschmidt had been taken hostage on July 18 with another German, who was found murdered four days after the kidnapping. The Taliban had demanded Germany withdraw its 3,000 troops from Afghanistan, which Berlin refused.

Four Red Cross employees were taken hostage by the Taliban on Sept. 27 while trying to facilitate the German's release. The four were released in good health two days later.

Other German still in Iraqi hands

Steinmeier reminded Germans not to forget the fate of Sinan Krause, who remains in the hands of Iraqi kidnappers.

"We are continuing to work on his release as well," Steinmeier said.

Krause was taken hostage in Baghdad in February with his mother, who was set free in July.