The future of Afghanistan is being discussed at a conference in Tokyo.
The International Contact Group on Afghanistan and Pakistan, which groups representatives from about 50 countries and global bodies, is being attended by the Afghan deputy foreign minister, Ershad Ahmadi, on May 15.
The delegates will debate the way forward in the wake of the Afghan presidential election and the drawdown of the U.S.-led foreign military presence at the end of this year.
"It is important to recognize that the war is not over yet," Ahmadi said at the opening of the meeting. "[By] the same token, to ensure lasting success, it is crucial that the international community maintains its support and engagement in Afghanistan at this critical period."
The French news agency AFP quoted a Japanese government official as saying the meeting is not a place for countries to make financial pledges but instead is a venue for the international community to commit to continued assistance to Afghanistan.
The International Contact Group on Afghanistan and Pakistan, which groups representatives from about 50 countries and global bodies, is being attended by the Afghan deputy foreign minister, Ershad Ahmadi, on May 15.
The delegates will debate the way forward in the wake of the Afghan presidential election and the drawdown of the U.S.-led foreign military presence at the end of this year.
"It is important to recognize that the war is not over yet," Ahmadi said at the opening of the meeting. "[By] the same token, to ensure lasting success, it is crucial that the international community maintains its support and engagement in Afghanistan at this critical period."
The French news agency AFP quoted a Japanese government official as saying the meeting is not a place for countries to make financial pledges but instead is a venue for the international community to commit to continued assistance to Afghanistan.