Defence Secretary Liam Fox meets US counterpart

Defence Secretary Liam Fox will meet his US opposite number Robert Gates today for talks which will inevitably focus on the continuing conflict in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister David Cameron met Mr Gates in Downing Street yesterday and restated his support for American strategy in Afghanistan, along with agreement on the need for fresh sanctions on Iran if it failed to come into line with international demands over its nuclear programme.

Today's talks in London will consider the outcome of last week's Kabul peace meeting - or jirga - at which Afghan president Hamid Karzai sought the backing of provincial, religious, tribal and other leaders for a plan to negotiate with the Taliban.

Last month's programme for government committed the Tory-Liberal Democrat coalition to "maintain a strong, close and frank relationship with the United States" and to "safeguard the UK's national security and support our armed forces in Afghanistan and elsewhere".

Foreign Secretary William Hague visited Washington within days of taking office to assure the US administration of Britain's continuing commitment in Afghanistan, where more than 9,000 UK troops are based.

Following yesterday's meeting, Number 10 said in a statement: "The Prime Minister met Robert Gates, the US secretary for defence, at Downing Street earlier.

"In a 40-minute meeting the Prime Minister and Secretary Gates discussed latest developments in Afghanistan, including the outcome of the recent peace jirga.

"The Prime Minister reiterated UK support for US strategy, including the plan progressively to transition security responsibilities to the Government of Afghanistan as their capacity develops.

"The Prime Minister and Secretary Gates also discussed Iran's nuclear programme and the importance of securing early agreement on an additional package of sanctions."