The United States and other nations have vowed to keep helping Afghanistan -- even after they leave the country in 2014.

More than 1,000 representatives from 100 countries met at a special conference in Bonn, Germany on Monday to plan for the transition.

"The United States is prepared to stand with the Afghan people for the long haul," U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said at the conference.

The international community has "much to lose if the country again becomes a source of terrorism and instability," she added.

The conference is focusing on long-term international aid for Afghanistan, the country's security concerns, and a possible political settlement with the Taliban.

"Together we have spent blood and treasure in fighting terrorism," Afghan President Hamid Karzai said. "Your continued solidarity, your commitment and support will be crucial so that we can consolidate our gains and continue to address the challenges that remain. We will need your steadfast support for at least another decade."