EU urges Afghanistan's Karzai to act against corruption

European Union leaders Friday urged the Afghan government of President Hamid Karzai to clamp down on rampant corruption that threatens the country's development, DPA reported.

At a summit in Brussels, EU leaders said an international conference due to take place in London on January 28 should call for "clear commitments from the Afghan government ... in the fields of governance", "action against corruption" and the fight against drug traffickers.

"This conference will thus be a step towards the transition of responsibilities to the Afghan authorities," leaders said.

The 27-member bloc also welcomed the recent announcement of US President Barack Obama of a reinforced military commitment in the fight against Taliban insurgency.

Karzai, for his part, should also work to build "strong relations" with neighbouring countries such as Pakistan.

The European Union and its member states are currently investing close to 1 billion euros (1.47 billion dollars) per year on different civilian, political and developmental activities in the country.