The Secretary-General met today with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, H.E. Mr. Zalmai Rassoul.

The Secretary-General highlighted the critical importance of credible Afghan-led elections in 2014 for political transition, as well as transition in the area of security. He reiterated his support for an Afghan-led, inclusive political solution to the conflict, noting the importance of regional cooperation in this respect.

The steadfast commitment of the United Nations to Afghanistan through 2014 and beyond was underlined by the Secretary-General. He also discussed with the Foreign Minister recent developments relating to the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission. The Secretary General expressed the view that it was essential for the Commission to retain its high level of integrity.