Obama meets with Afghan President, bolstering foreign policy

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Source: CCTV.com | 07-21-2008 09:25

US presidential contender Barack Obama has met with Afghan President Hamid Karzai during his first overseas tour as a Democratic nominee.

Iraq denied Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki had made remarks backing US Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's, seen here in June 2008, plan to withdraw troops from the country and demanding a quick pullout.(AFP)

Obama and Karzai had lunch at the presidential palace in Kabul. They reportedly focused on the difficulties faced by the Afghan government in fighting drugs, corruption and extremism in the country. Obama has criticized Karzai's government for not helping to organize the country's political and security institutions. Earlier in the day, Obama visited a military base in Kabul and praised US troops operating in the country.

Obama's trip was aimed at bolstering his foreign policy and national security credentials and countering Republican claims that he is not ready to be commander-in-chief.

Editor:Zhang Yue