The European Union's leading diplomat says although Afghanistan's new government has made progress, grave threats remain from the country's warlords, who are opposing the formation of a national army and depriving Kabul of revenues.
Speaking on the sidelines of the security summit in Brunei, Javier Solana, the EU's high representative for foreign and security policy, also raised hopes of a resumption of direct talks between Islamabad and New Delhi.
Mr Solana's comments underscore the difficulties facing the administration of President Hamid Karzai, whose authority barely extends beyond the confines of the Afghan capital, Kabul, and who is totally dependent on foreign donors for funds.
'There's a certain sentiment among what we may call the regional leaders, or warlords, or whatever you want to call it, who are having some difficulties in co-operating with the creation of the national army,' Mr Solana said.
'There are too many people who are armed, the process of disarmament is fundamental.'
Mr Solana has just completed a one-day visit to Kabul, where he met Mr Karzai and other political leaders. The current tour also took him to Iran and South Asia.
The Afghan government's shaky financial position - which reflects its tenuous hold on the countryside, especially the border areas with Pakistan and Central Asia - was also of deep concern.
