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Blair in Historic Visit
Wednesday, January 9, 2002
By David Hughes
The Daily Telegraph

Mr Blair said a huge amount had been achieved since September 11 and he wanted not only to thank British forces "for the great job they're doing" but also to make clear to the new interim administration "that our commitment to Afghanistan is for the long term."

BAGRAM AIR BASE
Tony Blair savoured the spoils of war last night as he became the first foreign leader to visit Afghanistan since the routing of the Taliban.

The British Prime Minister, who flew in from Pakistan on the last leg of a South Asian tour, said his visit underscored the international community's commitment to Afghanistan as it undertakes a huge rebuilding task.

"I know they have suffered a very great deal over the past 20 years," he said. "I know that military conflict is always difficult, but we do desire to be the partners of people here, in helping rebuild the country."

The visit was historic. Mr Blair is the first Western head of government to visit Afghanistan since the Soviet invasion in 1979 and the first British prime minister to visit the country.
(More: The Daily Telegraph News Source)
2002 © Mirror Australian Telegraph Publications.

Dan