Karzai, Cameron sign agreement on future of Afghanistan

Jan 28, 2012, 16:30 GMT

London - Afghan President Hamid Karzai and British Prime Minister David Cameron on Saturday signed an agreement on the future of Afghanistan aimed at bringing stability to the country after the withdrawal of international troops in 2014.

'We want a long-term relationship with Afghanistan,' said Cameron during a meeting with Karzai, who said Britain had been Afghanistan's 'steadfast friend' over the last decade.

The agreement outlines plans for a secure Afghanistan that is able to maintain its own security.

Cameron said violence had decreased across the country, and the development of the army and police force were 'on target.' He said the long-term relationship would focus on aid, trade and investment.

'I think part of achieving that is not just what we are doing on the ground with all the NATO partners but also the need for ... a political process that ensures all Afghans, if they give up violence, if they give up terror, can play a part in a strong democratic state for the future,' Cameron was quoted as saying by the Press Association.

He said between now and 2014 there would be opportunities for different countries to reduce their troop numbers. But added, 'I don't want to see some sort of cliff edge in 2014 when all of the remaining troops come out at once.'

On Friday, Karzai met with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who said France would once more take up its mission in Afghanistan to train Afghan soldiers.

The mission had been called off by France a week ago when four French soldiers were shot dead by an Afghan soldier during a joint training exercise.

French troops are to withdraw at the end of 2013, Sarkozy said. According to a previous plan, French troops were to withdraw at the start of 2014, and all NATO units by the end of 2014.

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