Diplomats Discuss Future in Afghanistan

Posted November 2nd, 2011 at 1:50 am (UTC-5)
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Diplomats are gathering for a conference in Turkey focusing on the future of security and economic development in Afghanistan, as foreign troops prepare to leave the country by the end of 2014.

The talks Wednesday include officials from 14 countries in the region, as well as representatives from Western nations taking part in the NATO mission in Afghanistan.

Officials will discuss regional security and cooperation measures, as well as Afghan efforts for a political solution to the decade-long conflict.

Some diplomats have downplayed expectations for the conference.

It comes a day after a summit meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari and Turkish President Abdullah Gul.

There are more than 130,000 foreign troops in Afghanistan, most from the United States. NATO plans to transfer full security control to Afghan forces by the end of 2014.