Gordon Brown pledges continued support to Afghanistan
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 "in the coming years". 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'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.
ENDS