Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron on Friday pledged support for Afghanistan's newly sworn-in president and the country's new unity government, saying during a surprise visit to Kabul that Britain is committed to helping Afghans build a more secure and prosperous future.
Cameron was the first of world leaders to meet Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, Afghanistan's second elected president. The two had a meeting in Kabul on Friday morning and later held a joint press conference.
"Britain has paid a heavy price for helping to bring stability to this country," Cameron said, paying tribute to the 453 British servicemen and women who died while serving in Afghanistan.
"An Afghanistan free from al-Qaeda is in our national interest — as well as Afghanistan's ... And now, 13 long years later, Afghanistan can — and must — deliver its own security."
But, "we are not leaving this country alone," he added. "In Britain you will always have a strong partner and a friend."