14 February 2007

Tony Blair and the Afghan President Hamid Karzai met in Downing Street today.

The two leaders spoke about the progress being made in Afghanistan and the importance this has for the rest of the world.

Speaking to journalists afterwards, the PM praised Mr Karzai for his "courage and leadership" in recent years and reflected on the "remarkable progress" being made in the country.

He re-iterated that the UK was determined to "get the job done" there, despite the "reactionary and aggressive elements" who were trying to stand in the way.

Mr Karzai thanked Mr Blair, the British people and the UK troops in the region for all of their help and support.

ENDS