Berlin, Sep 7 (DPA) Germany and Britain announced a new initiative Sunday for an international conference on Afghanistan, to be held later this year after the outcome of the Afghan presidential election is known.

The gathering, at a venue still to be decided, would be held to discuss the best way forward for Afghanistan, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said in Berlin.

Speaking ahead of evening talks, the two leaders said the new Afghan government, NATO, the United Nations and countries with troops in Afghanistan would be invited to the conference.

Brown said the main topics would be security, training for the Afghan police and armed forces and how Afghans could play a greater role in the running of their country.

One of the goals of the meeting, which is also supported by France, is to prepare Afghanistan for the day when when the international troop presence starts to be drawn down.