The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Hamid Karzai, the President of Afghanistan, on the margins of the NATO Summit.

The Secretary-General said the Chicago summit was an important milestone that underscored that the international community will continue to partner with Afghanistan after the withdrawal of the international military forces.

While noting the steps the Afghan authorities have taken on governance, he said that amid a global fiscal crisis donors would continue to link long-term aid with delivery on governance.

The Secretary-General reiterated the readiness of the United Nations to provide support to the Afghan authorities to produce credible and democratic elections.

The Secretary-General underscored the importance of political reconciliation, socio-economic development and human rights, especially to improve the status for women and girls.