20 November 2006
Tony Blair has told soldiers in Afghanistan that British people have "pride and respect" for the work they are doing.
The Prime Minister arrived at Camp Bastion, the main UK base in the southern province of Helmand, in a RAF Hercules transport aircraft.
He was introduced to members of the 4500-strong task force, including 42 Commando Royal Marines.
Mr Blair told the troops:
"Here in this extraordinary piece of desert is where the future of the world’s security is going to be played out.
"We know that the only way to secure peace sometimes is to be prepared to fight for it.
"You may not know this but people back home are very proud of what you do regardless of what they think of the politicians."
After returning to the capital Kabul, the PM met President Karzai, British Commander General Richards, soldiers from other countries, and representatives of Afghan civil society.
This is the second day of Mr Blair’s trip to the Middle East. On Sunday he held talks with Pakistan’s President Pervez Musharraf in Islamabad.
delicious
digg
facebook
