Afghanistan is confident it can take full control of its security next year, President Hamid Karzai said on Thursday, June 14, despite steadily rising Taliban violence.

The insurgents have struck in the east and south as well as in the diplomatic heart of Kabul as part of their spring offensive, raising fears that Afghan forces will struggle to keep the peace after Western combat forces withdraw in 2014.

But Karzai, speaking at an international conference on Afghanistan's future, voiced no such doubts.

"We are certain that this transition will be completed in 2013 whereby the entire country, the Afghan population their security, well-being and matters related to governance will be handled by the Afghan government alone," Karzai said.

He said that 2014 will see the "complete withdrawal" of foreign forces from Afghanistan, although the international community will continue to provide a certain amount of support.

The one-day conference is aimed at building support for Afghanistan among its neighbors and allies further afield, to help stabilize the country as it takes responsibility for its security after nearly 11 years of international support.

Foreign ministers or their deputies from 15 countries including China, India, Pakistan, Iran and Russia are attending the "Heart of Asia" conference.

Another regional bloc, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, comprising China, Russia and the Central Asia states also signaled this month its plans to play a larger role in Afghanistan.

Karzai said greater cooperation would help in the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and the region, Reuters reported.