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John Reid meets local children during a patrol in Kabul [Picture: Cpl Chris Hargreaves]
John Reid talks to Corporal Faye Gow, 22, from Dundee during a visit to the British Embassy in Kabul [Picture: Cpl Chris Hargreaves]
John Reid meets local children during a patrol in Kabul [Picture: Cpl Chris Hargreaves]
An Afghan child shakes hands with John Reid during his tour of the Capital with the Kabul Patrol Group (KPC) [Picture: Cpl Chris Hargreaves]

Defence Secretary John Reid today arrived in Afghanistan on the start of a four-day visit to see the UK's contribution to international efforts to create a stable and prosperous future for the country.

The visit is the first opportunity Mr Reid has had to meet and thank UK troops for their valuable role as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

Today, on the first day of the visit, Mr Reid toured the streets of the capital with the Kabul Patrol Group (KPC), commanded by Major Marcus Reedman of the 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles.

The KPC is responsible for helping the Afghans maintain security in three of Kabul’s 16 Police Districts and operates in the South-East of the city.

During patrols with the KPC, Mr Reid said:

"The troops in the KPC are doing a tremendous job helping the Afghans maintain security in Kabul.  By patrolling on foot and in open top vehicles, and wherever possible mixing with the local population, they are helping to build trust and understanding – giving everyone in the city a chance to rebuild their lives following decades of war.

"As part of the ISAF mission, UK Armed Forces personnel are also involved in training the Afghan National Army, helping to develop a crucial component of Afghanistan’s security, now and in the future.  I am delighted to see at first hand the very real progress that is being made by UK and international troops on the ground."

Later Mr Reid met troops from the 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, as well as the 1st Battalion Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire, Wiltshire Light Infantry.

During his visit Mr Reid will be meeting British and ISAF representatives, as well as senior Afghani Government Ministers to get an in-depth appraisal of the progress being made in country. They will also discuss the enduring relationship between the UK and Afghanistan, and opportunities for further cooperation.

Related Links:

• Operations in Afghanistan
• International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)

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