British Prime Minister David Cameron has made a surprise visit to Afghanistan to meet with the new unity government's leaders.
As he arrived in Kabul on October 3, Cameron paid tribute to the 453 British troops who have died while serving in Afghanistan, as well as those who have been injured.
Cameron said Afghanistan had been transformed since the 2001 U.S.-led invasion, with the creation of an Afghan army and police force that could defend the country.
Cameron’s visit comes four days after new President Ashraf Ghani was sworn into office following months of political turmoil.
After the United States, Britain has been the second-largest contributor to the international military coalition in Afghanistan.
British combat troops are due to leave the country by the end of the year after a 13-year campaign.
Earlier, Cameron visited a British air base in Cyprus from where jets are launching strikes against Islamic State militants in Iraq.