Afghanistan is hosting a major international meeting aimed at showing world leaders it is capable of taking control of its own security and development.
Security forces were deployed throughout Kabul Monday, as top officials from more than 60 countries and international groups, including United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, gathered in the Afghan capital for Tuesday's conference.
Afghan officials say the government will outline its commitments to improving governance, economic and social development and the rule of law, while seeking greater control of billions of dollars of international aid that flows into the country.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who arrived in Kabul on Monday for the conference, told reporters the gathering will show more Afghan leadership. Clinton added that both the Afghan government and the United States had a role in fighting corruption in Afghanistan.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who is hosting the summit, is expected to lay out a timeframe for Afghan police and military to take responsibility for the country's security.
Before departing for the conference Monday, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle called for the transfer of security responsibilities to Afghan forces by 2014.
Afghan officials are also expected to lay out details of a government program aimed at re-integrating Taliban fighters who agree to lay down their weapons, renounce al-Qaida and accept Afghanistan's constitution.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
