Secretary General of United Nations Ban Ki-moon Wednesday morning arrived in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, for talks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and commanders of international troops, said a UN statement.

"The Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon arrived in Kabul today, to underscore the priority the UN is placing on its work in Afghanistan," the statement said.

Meanwhile, it confirmed that Ban will meet with President Hamid Karzai, the speakers of Afghanistan's National Assembly, the Commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and the NATO Senior Civilian Representative. "The Secretary-General will have a high level briefing from his Special Representative for Afghanistan Kai Eide, who heads the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), and the heads of UN agencies in the country," it added.

Moreover, it said the Secretary General will hear the latest on the humanitarian situation in the country and the UN's work to support the Government of Afghanistan.

Since 2002, UNAMA has been tasked with leading the civilian efforts of the international community in Afghanistan, and plays an active role in promoting peace.

UN agencies, according to media reports, were seeking additional 603.9 million U.S. dollars to Afghanistan to meet the immediate needs of those made most vulnerable by natural disasters, lack of access to basic social services, increasing food insecurity caused by rising prices, and the worsening security situation.

(Xinhua News Agency February 4, 2009)