CHICAGO - NATO alliance leaders meeting here for talks aimed at paving the way for ending the nearly 11-year-long war in Afghanistan, affirmed plans for an "irreversible transition" in which Afghan security forces will take control by mid 2013.

The leaders are meeting in US President Barack Obama's hometown to prepare the ground for NATO to take over a support role and ultimately withdraw by the end of 2014.

In a declaration, the 28 NATO members also endorsed ongoing efforts to achieve a political solution through reconciliation talks with the Taliban.

"We are gradually and responsibly drawing down our forces to complete the ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) mission by 31 December 2014," the declaration said.



"By mid-2013... the ANSF (Afghan National Security Force) will be in the lead for security nationwide," said the member countries.

"ISAF will be able to ensure that the Afghans have the support they need as they adjust to their new increased responsibility," they said.

Earlier, President Obama said the transition was "the next milestone" in NATO's plans for bringing the nearly war to a close.

"This will be another step toward Afghans taking full lead for their security as agreed to by 2014 when the ISAF mission will end," Obama said as he opened the meeting.

The NATO summit comes in the backdrop of France's new President Francois Hollande saying he will pull French troops out by the end of 2012, nearly two years ahead of schedule.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari were also part of the summit.

The meeting will continue for a second day with discussion about how much money is needed to continue to support Afghanistan and who would be paying.