The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon's surprise visit to Kabul and his meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai repeated the world body's firm support to the war-ravaged country.

Ban Ki-Moon described the current year in Afghanistan as challenging by saying, "It is clear that Afghanistan will continue to face many challenges in 2009."

However, Ban stressed that "for the United Nations, Afghanistan remains a key priority in 2009."

He emphasized on enhancing international efforts in the rebuilding process of Afghanistan and bringing peace and development in this country.

"We must bring tangible changes in the lives of Afghans," the world body's chief noted.

Ban, who earlier exchanged views with President Hamid Karzai on the security situation and upcoming presidential elections in Afghanistan, also repeated UN's firm support to Afghanistan by adding, "Again I assure you the full support and cooperation and commitment of the United Nations."

"I am here to demonstrate and convey my strong commitment and support for peace, stability and development of Afghan people," he said.

The visit of UN chief took place amid increasing security incidents and deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan where the U.S. and its allied nations have called for boosting military strength.

(Xinhua News Agency February 5, 2009)