WAM Tokyo, July 8th, 2012 (WAM) -- The international Conference on Afghanistan began today here in the Japanese capital Tokyo with the participation of UAE's delegation headed by Major General Faris Al Mazrouei, Assistant Foreign Minister for the Security and Military Affairs and Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Representatives from 80 countries during their meeting discussed provision of civil aid to Afghanistan following the withdrawal of most NATO forces by the end of 2014.

Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba, co-chair of the conference said that major donors pledged to give Afghanistan $16 billion in development aid over the next four years as they seek to prevent it from sliding back into chaos when foreign troops leave, but demanded reforms to fight corruption.

He also announced financial aid of up to 3 billion dollars over the 5 years by 2016.

President Karzai called for continued support from the international community, saying it is necessary for Afghanistan to become self-reliant in addition to its own efforts. Karzai also said he will work to fight corruption, which is being criticized by the international community.

WAM/ES/AM