At a meeting with her Afghan Counterpart Dr. Rangin Dadfar Spanta in New York on Monday, Clinton said the Afghanistan issue was accorded top priority in US politics, according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry here.
Clinton assured the foreign minister of long-term US support for Afghanistan, the ministry said, adding the secretary called for lasting peace and stability of the country. The Afghan National Army and police should be equipped and strengthened, she said.
The two sides pledged to find practical ways of effectively fighting the menace of terrorism. The press release said the recent elections, the fight against terrorism, strengthening of bilateral relations, an increase in reconstruction aid and economic development came up for discussion.
An international conference, to be held in Kabul next month, was also discussed. Both officials considered the conference a good opportunity to refresh international commitments to a democratic, stable and independent Afghanistan.
mnm/mud