Bonn: An international conference on the future of Afghanistan has begun today with Pakistan boycotting the moot after Nato attack on its checkposts that killed 24 soldiers.
Afghan President Hamied Karzai, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, German Chancellor Angela Markel attending the meeting among representatives from more than 90 countries.
The conference aimed at charting a road map ahead for bringing stability in Afghanistan, is expected to suffer a setback as the most important ally in fight against terror – Pakistan has refused to attend the conference.
Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Saturday rejected US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s request to attend the Bonn Conference.
The international players are expecting a long long-term international engagement with Afghanistan.
The meeting assumes great significance as Western forces fighting in Afghanistan are scheduled to leave the war-torn country by 2014.
Foreign ministers belonging to over 90 countries are expected to attend the Bonn Conference, which is expected to discuss sensitive issues regarding the withdrawal of US and NATO troop from Afghanistan, and entering into dialogues with the Taliban.