Bilateral relations between the UK and Afghanistan are strong with frequent high-level visits in each direction.  Amongst the most recent have been:

Outward Visits

• Foreign Secretary David Miliband and US Secretary of State Rice arrive in Afghanistan, 7 February 2008

Foreign Minister David Miliband has flown to Afghanistan with US Secretary of State Rice following a series of meetings in London on 6 February 2008.

• Prime Minister's visit to Afghanistan, 10 December 2007

The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, visited Afghanistan on 10 December 2007.  He was accompanied by the Defence Secretary, Des Browne. The Prime Minister said that defeating the Taleban was essential to tackling terrorism around the world.

• Mark Malloch-Brown's visit to Afghanistan, 16-18 October 2007

Mark Malloch-Brown made his first Ministerial trip to Afghanistan from 16-18 October 2007.  The Minister noted many positive changes, particularly in Kabul.

• Secretary of State for International Development visits Afghanistan, 7 September 2007

The Secretary of State for International Development has made his first visit to Afghanistan. He spoke to Afghans benefitting from the UK's aid assistance (DFID website, opens in new window).

• Defence Sectretary visits Helmand's frontline, 7 August 2007

Secretary of State for Defence, Des Browne, arrived in Southern Afghanistan on 7 August 2007 and met troops in Helmand on the frontline against the Taleban (MOD website, opens in new window).

• David Miliband's visit to Afghanistan, 24-25 July 2007

David Miliband made his first trip to Afghanistan as Foreign Secretary from 24-25 July. He attended the funeral of former King Mohammed Zaher, the Father of the Nation and met President Karzai.

Inward Visits

• A group of Helmand Provincial Councillors visited the UK, 4-11 June 2008: 

On 4th June a delegation from the Helmand Provincial Council arrived in the UK for a week long sponsored visit.

• A group of Afghan MPs has visited the UK, 15 November 2007: 

On 13th November a delegation of 9 Afghan Parliamentarians arrived in the UK for a two-day visit.

• President Karzai's visit to the UK, 21-25 October 2007:

President Karzai spent the week in the UK, from the 21-25 October 2007.  He met the Queen, HRH Prince Charles, addressed students from the Oxford Union and discussed bilateral relations, including the role the UK was playing in Afghanistan's reconstruction.