15 November 2010 - The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and its international partners met today in Kabul at the 15th meeting of the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board (JCMB) to review progress in the process of transition to greater Afghan ownership and responsibility agreed at the Kabul Conference on 20 July 2010.

At the meeting Minister of Finance, Dr Omar Zakhilwal highlighted the significant progress made by the Government in achieving the commitments agreed at the London and Kabul Conferences.

"Achieving 85 per cent of the October commitments agreed with the international community at the London and Kabul Conferences is remarkable," said Minister Zakhilwal. "I am very happy with the way that Government has embraced the new management system for increased accountability and look forward to continued strong performance,” he said.

Detailed action plans have been put in place for the 22 National Priority Programmes that will be a key vehicle for the delivery of stability and prosperity countrywide. A major step forward has been the establishment of a reporting system to monitor progress and to demonstrate results to the people of Afghanistan and the international community.

International partners welcomed the steps taken by the Government since the Kabul Conference and commended the progress made to establish a framework to support the delivery of governance, security and development in Afghanistan.

As co-chairs of today’s meeting, Dr Omar Zakhilwal and the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Staffan de Mistura noted the shared commitment to ensuring that the JCMB supports the Government in continuing progress including through active policy dialogue with international partners on the Government’s priorities.

Staffan de Mistura said “The Government has set forth an ambitious agenda. We applaud the collaborative way in which Ministries have worked together to identify the top priorities for their country’s future. We now have a concrete roadmap to deliver practical results. The international community is committed to supporting this Afghan-led process.”