By Xinhua,
Kabul : UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on his visit to this war-torn country Wednesday promised strong support to Afghanistan.
The UN chief met Afghan President Hamid Karzai and discussed the security situation as well as the upcoming elections in the country.
Ban Ki-moon described the current year in Afghanistan as challenging, and said, “It is clear that Afghanistan will continue to face many challenges in 2009″.
He stressed that “Afghanistan remains a key priority for the UN in 2009”.
He also emphasised on enhancing international efforts in rebuilding the country and to bring peace and development to the region.
“We must bring tangible changes in the lives of Afghans,” Ban Ki-moon said.
“Again I assure you the full support and cooperation and commitment of the UN.”
“I am here to demonstrate and convey my strong commitment and support for peace, stability and development of Afghan people,” he said.
The visit of the UN chief took place amid increasing violence in Afghanistan where the US and its allied nations have called for boosting military strength.