Leaders of 26 countries gathered in Istanbul Wednesday to lay the groundwork for a conference next month, where world leaders will discuss the future of a post-NATO Afghanistan dpa reported
The main focus of the main conference, scheduled to take place in the German city of Bonn on December 5, will be to seek methods to stabilize the nation after NATO-led forces withdraw from the country in 2014.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai is set to participate in the talks in Turkey, along with the leaders of Pakistan, India and Iran.
The one-day conference is expected to see discussion on regional cooperation and an agreement on non-interference in Afghan affairs.
Karzai and Turkish President Abdullah Gul are scheduled to address the meeting.