From left Defence Secretary Liam Fox, Foreign Secretary William Hague and International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell talking during the flight to Kabul, AfghanistanThey will meet President Karzai, relevant Ministers and senior officials, in order to gain a better understanding of the situation in Afghanistan, of the options going forward, and of the further work needing to be done.
They will also meet British troops, civilian staff, and visit a British funded development project.
The international effort to bring about a more stable and secure Afghanistan is vital to UK national security. That is why the UK Government's most urgent overseas priority is to focus on the strategy for Afghanistan, and why a tripartite visit has been organised so quickly.
The Foreign Secretary, William Hague, said:
"Our most urgent priority is to get to grips with the situation in Afghanistan. It will consume a lot of our time, energy and effort and it is therefore vital that Ministers have a strong understanding of the issues.
"We need to give the strategy time and support to succeed, and we are here in Afghanistan to explore this at the earliest opportunity."
General Stanley McChrystal, Commander of ISAF meets (from left) William Hague, Liam Fox and Andrew Mitchell at ISAF HQ in Kabul, AfghanistanThe Secretary of State for Defence, Dr Liam Fox said:
"I am delighted to be making my first visit to Afghanistan since being appointed Secretary of State for Defence, seeing for myself the situation on the ground with regard to UK forces and meeting senior military commanders and Afghan Ministerial counterparts.
"I am very much looking forward to meeting UK servicemen and women whose bravery, dedication, professionalism and very real sacrifice is playing an absolutely vital role in protecting the UK’s national security – the reason we are in Afghanistan."
The International Development Secretary, Andrew Mitchell, said:
"Afghanistan remains one of the poorest countries in the world. There are few countries where the combination of our moral commitment to development and safeguarding our national interest is so enmeshed.
"Building the capacity of the state to guarantee security and stability, deliver development and reduce poverty is central to defeating violent extremism and protecting British streets. Looking at ways to improve the quality and impact of our aid will be a key part of this visit."
Pictures: Lewis Whyld/PA Wire
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Here's wishing them a safe and informative trip! :)
ReplyDeleteI can understand that you have to go there to see for yourselves what is transpiring in this country - however, I will never understand how anybody can say that we are protecting the UK by being there - Pakistan is as bad as Afghanistan - and that too is a poor country - (really the terrorist are everywhere) more importantly, the UK isnt exactly rich - we owe billions - you are cutting service/staff/etc here and I suppose increasing taxes but yet we are commiting money (in excess of 28 billion) there:
ReplyDeleteOur Soldiers are a committed bunch - (and I AM VERY PROUD OF THEM)and YES they are making sacrifices as too their families; Pre-election talk was all about 'withdrawal' - but recently everying being said is basically saying we are there for the 'long term' even P.Obarma talks of withdrawal July 'll - Charity begins at HOME - sort out our Country, then help others....
Or is it the fact that Afghanistans location is of importance????