UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Friday stressed the importance of credible elections amid concern over the lack of security in the country.

In a presidential statement, the council underscored the importance of continued progress on electoral reform and toward the holding of credible and inclusive parliamentary elections in 2018 and presidential elections in 2019.

It commended the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and the UN development Programme for their support in this area and encouraged them to intensify their support to the Afghan electoral management bodies.

The Security Council reiterated its concern over the continuing security threats posed by terrorist groups, violent and extremist groups, illegal armed groups, criminals, and those involved in the production, trafficking or trade of illicit drugs.

It recognized that there can be no purely military solution to Afghanistan, underlined the importance of an inclusive Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process for the long-term prosperity and stability, and expressed full support to the Afghan government to achieve peace and reconciliation.

The council stressed the importance of advancing regional, inter-regional and international cooperation to achieve long-term peace, stability and sustainable development in Afghanistan and Central Asia and supports the joint efforts of countries of the region toward the enhancement of a zone of peace, cooperation and prosperity.