Karzai visit ‘reaffirms UK commitment’ to Afghanistan
Afghan president Hamid Karzai is in London today on his first official visit since taking power in the war-torn country.
He will meet Tony Blair and senior members of the Cabinet during his two-day stay, during which the prime minister is keen to reaffirm Britain’s commitment to building a democratic Afghanistan.
“The president’s visit will help to seal the UK’s long-term commitment to Afghanistan,” a foreign office statement said.
“We have shared interests and work together in several fields, including counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism. The UK is committed to supporting the Afghan people as they work to build on the achievements of the past three years.
“The ultimate aim is to build a secure, stable and democratic Afghanistan which plays a full and constructive role in the international community.”
It is the third time the Afghan premier has been on British soil, but the first time he has visited since being elected in October last year.
Mr Karzai is expected to issue a strong condemnation of suicide bombing and terrorist attacks when he addresses a London mosque.
He will also meet a group of British Muslim leaders and deliver a speech at Chatham House titled Global Terrorism and the experience of Afghanistan, before addressing MPs in Westminster.
The UK has been at the forefront of support given to Afghanistan since the Taliban were overthrown following a US-led attack on the country.
Mr Karzai will discuss this continued support as well as the best way for the two countries to be successful in the battle against narcotics and terrorism.
