Cameron arrives in Kabul to meet new Afghan president
- 10 years ago
British Prime Minister David Cameron has made an unannounced visit to Afghanistan for talks with new president Ashraf Ghani.
He’s the first world leader to meet the new government after several weeks of political wrangling following presidential elections in June.
Cameron’s trip comes two months before NATO troops are due to withdraw from Afghanistan after thirteen years fighting the Taliban.
“This is a difficult, unstable dangerous world. But I think in well-trained Afghan security forces, in a national unity government and in continued engagement by Britain and the rest of the international community with this country, we can make sure that it does not become again the haven for terrorism which is why we came here in the first place,” said the UK leader.
Ghani took office four days ago following a deal that allowed his presidential rival take on a chief executive position.
Cameron also paid tribute to UK troops serving in Afghanistan. He said they had paid a “very high price” against the Taliban.
453 UK servicemen and women have died and thousands more have been wounded since NATO troops arrived in 2001.
He’s the first world leader to meet the new government after several weeks of political wrangling following presidential elections in June.
Cameron’s trip comes two months before NATO troops are due to withdraw from Afghanistan after thirteen years fighting the Taliban.
“This is a difficult, unstable dangerous world. But I think in well-trained Afghan security forces, in a national unity government and in continued engagement by Britain and the rest of the international community with this country, we can make sure that it does not become again the haven for terrorism which is why we came here in the first place,” said the UK leader.
Ghani took office four days ago following a deal that allowed his presidential rival take on a chief executive position.
Cameron also paid tribute to UK troops serving in Afghanistan. He said they had paid a “very high price” against the Taliban.
453 UK servicemen and women have died and thousands more have been wounded since NATO troops arrived in 2001.