KABUL – The Government of Afghanistan and the international community on Tuesday concluded a series of meetings which reaffirmed their commitment to the "Kabul process." Of the 22 National Priority Program developed by the Government of Afghanistan over the last 18 months, seven were put forward for endorsement at the next Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board.

There was strong consensus that the National Priority Program provide a broad-basis for true sustainability and bring tangible benefits to Afghan people across the country.

Michael Keating, the United Nations Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, said: "Transition will only succeed with adequate investment in development, governance and the rule of law. The momentum around transition must be captured to fast-forward efforts to strengthen Afghan institutional capacity, especially at the provincial level."

The United Nations welcomed the participation of civil society representatives. The United Nations is committed to continue its support for the "Kabul process" through its coordination role and engagement with Afghan Government Ministries and donors in direct support of the implementation of the National Priority Program. (PR)