WASHINGTON - US Secretary of State John Kerry would discuss the current situation in Afghanistan and the post-2014 transition with leaders of Russia and Italy during his trip to Moscow and Rome this week, his spokesperson said Monday.

Kerry left US for Russia and Italy on Monday. Afghanistan, North Korea and Syria would be among major topics of discussions when Kerry meets his counterparts in Russia and Italy, said the State Department spokesperson, Jen Psaki.

In Moscow, he would meet senior Russian government officials on issues of bilateral interest, including Afghanistan, she said, adding Secretary Kerry also planned to hold talks with representatives from civil society.

“On May 8, Kerry will travel to Rome, where he will meet with senior Italian government officials to discuss the full range of bilateral and global issues, including events in Afghanistan, Syria, and elsewhere in the Middle East,” she said.

Earlier in the day, Kerry drove down to the Pentagon to have lunch with the Defense Secretary, Chuck Hagel, during which they discussed a wide range of issues including Afghanistan. (Pajhwok)