'The members of the Council voiced support for the priorities agreed to at the London Conference on security, governance and economic development,' the 15-member body said in a press statement read out by Ambassador Gérard Araud of France, which holds the Council''s monthly presidency for February.

The Security Council statement referred to the gathering of some 70 nations in London on 28 January to discuss the way forward in Afghanistan following last year''s elections, in which Hamid Karzai won another term as President.

The Security Council also noted the Regional Summit held on 26 January in Istanbul with the participation of Afghanistan''s neighbours, as well as the United Nations and other international and regional organisations.

'A common vision of regional cooperation was set out and the neighbours have reaffirmed their strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Afghanistan and of each other,' read the Council statement, which also thanked Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his briefing outlining his recent travels, including the London Conference.

The members of the Council underlined the leading role of UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in the co-ordination of international civilian efforts in Afghanistan.

The members of the Council also expressed their gratitude to the outgoing UN envoy to Afghanistan, Kai Eide, for his 'outstanding contribution to UNAMAs work', and looked forward to working with the Secretary Generals new Special Representative, Staffan De Mistura.#