British PM reiterates long-term relationship with Afghanistan

The visiting British Prime Minister David Cameron on Tuesday reiterated his country's long-term partnership with Afghanistan even after completion of combat mission by 2014.

"We will have a long-term relationship, we will have relationship that will consist of very large aid program, and it is quite right, we have large aid program in your country as we help you to build your future," Cameron told a joint press conference with Afghan President Hamid Karza, Xinhua reported.

He also announced building of a modern military academy in Afghanistan modeling after the famous Sandhurst military academy.

On gradual withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, Cameron said, "I do believe it is right to start a limited withdrawal of our troops."

Britain currently has 9,500 troops in Afghanistan mostly deployed in the restive southern Helmand province.

The British Premier said the war in Afghanistan would be solved in mixture of military pressure and political process. "To the Taliban the message is very clear, stop killing, stop bombing, stop fighting, put down your weapons and join a political process,"Cameron added.

"The message for Taliban is clear. You can be part of the future of this country, you will not win this fighting, and you are losing this fighting."

President Karzai thanked British people and government for their support to Afghanistan and conveyed his condolence over the killing of a British soldier in Helmand province on Monday.

Cameron's visit to Afghanistan came after U.S. president Barack Obama announced withdrawal of 33,000 American troops from Afghanistan by the end of September 2012.