KABUL, May 15: The World Bank resumed operations in Afghanistan on Wednesday after a halt of more than two decades, pledging long-term commitment to rebuild and develop the war-shattered country.

World Bank chief James Wolfensohn arrived in the Afghan capital of Kabul for a one-day visit, meeting interim leader Hamid Karzai and other cabinet members to discuss the reconstruction of Afghanistan and opening of a World Bank office there. “In my very short time in Kabul the voices I have heard have rung out with clarity of purpose. Afghans want to rebuild Afghanistan and the World Bank is here as a committed development partner,” Wolfensohn said in a statement issued after his meetings.

But he stressed a lack of security could remain a major hurdle to future development.

“We have all recognised that security is the toughest job of all in Afghanistan and the element most likely to undermine all efforts here,” he said.