In an opening address, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said nations must reassure Iraq that it has the world's support as Iraqis work to rebuild and secure their country.

"The international community supports the government and the people of Iraq, and we are determined that the reconstruction of Iraq as outlined one year ago in the security council resolution 1546, must succeed."

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called on Iraq's neighbors to secure the borders from insurgents who she accused of seeking to destroy Iraq's progress.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari told the conference, that Iraq was keen to play an active role in the regional affairs.

"Iraq is a factor of stability in the region, we are no longer a source, a threat. We want to play an active role in civil society and in the international community."

Baghdad requested the conference to summon advice from the international community on boosting security, establishing rule of law and reconstruction.

Hosted by the EU and the US, it's the second conference held to promote development in Iraq after the first meeting in Egypt last November.