10 December 2007
The PM has reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to Afghanistan on security and economic development issues.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, Mr Brown said that UK forces would provide assistance to Afghan troops "over these next yearss". He also pointed to important economic and social development work such as school-building, the provision of healthcare and the support of local business creation.
The PM said:
"I have come from Helmand Province today where I have met our own troops, and we continue to make our commitment to the building of Afghanistan with the presence of British troops in support of the coalition effort.
"And we will continue not only to give support in terms of our forces here who are doing a brilliant job in support of democracy in Afghanistan, but we will also continue to give support for economic development, for the building of schools, for the development of healthcare, for the creation of small businesses, for the rebuilding and reconstruction of the economy of this country."
The PM’s visit to Afghanistan came as British troops engaged in operations with Aghan forces in the town of Musa Qala in Helmand province. Mr Brown said the decision to enter the town was taken by Afghan authorities and that Afghan troops were leading the action.
Earlier today the Prime Minister addressed soldiers in the UK base of Camp Bastion in the south of the country. He paid tribute to their professionalism and their role in tackling the Taliban and strengthening democracy in Afghanistan.
Mr Brown said he would make a statement on Afghanistan to the House of Commons on Wednesday 12 December.
Image copyright: Reuters
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