UK Defence Chief Meets Afghan President In Kabul

Ministry Of Defence (UK)

Des Browne meets Afghan President in Kabul

Des Browne, Secretary of State for Defence, met President Karzai in Kabul and re-affirmed the UK's long-term commitment to Afghanistan. The two discussed a range of issues including development and reconstruction, and how to improve governance in southern Afghanistan.

Mr Browne also met General Dan McNeill, the commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), where he was updated on the progress of the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan.

Des Browne said:

"I have been genuinely encouraged by what I've seen this week in Afghanistan. The British-led Helmand Task Force has made enormous progress in driving back the Taliban in the north of the province. The forces' progress has been followed by targeted development projects that are making a difference to ordinary Afghans' lives - reviving old markets, schools, wells. Local people are moving back to their homes, a sure sign that security is returning.

"This has been a valuable opportunity to discuss with senior Afghans serious challenges such as corruption and the development of rule of law, which require the joint commitment of the Afghan Government and the international community to resolve."

Notes

* Mr Browne's visit to Kabul also included briefings from the British Ambassador, Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, the Afghan Defence Minister, Abdul Rahim Wardak, and the US ambassador Bill Wood.

ENDS

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