Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron took a detour from his normal routine on Friday, stopping in for a surprise visit in Afghanistan with newly sworn-in President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai.
He was one of the first world leaders to meet the newly elected leader, and wish him well in person, The Associated Press reported. Mr. Cameron also emphasized Britain’s commitment to helping build a better Afghanistan.
“Britain has paid a heavy price for helping to bring stability to this country,” Mr. Cameron said, AP reported. “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.”
Mr. Cameron also extended his friendship to the new leader.
“We are not leaving this country alone,” he said, AP reported. “In Britain, you will always have a strong partner and a friend.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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