PM's Trip To Afghanistan Steeped In Symbolism

David Cameron's fleeting visit to Afghanistan was a symbolic trip to mark the drawdown of 13 years of conflict.

A sign of political support to the new Afghan leadership, the Afghan people and indeed the British military the PM says have "paid a heavy price" .

Symbolism is important in politics and Mr Cameron's visit, just days after Ashraf Ghani was sworn in, reinforces British commitment at a time when attention has switched back to Iraq.

This week saw the first democratic transition of power in Afghan history with political opponent Abdullah Abdullah sharing power as the new government chief executive.

And it comes at a fragile, important time during that democratic transition, as the withdrawal of troops means the country having to stand on its own two feet.

Our continued commitment extends beyond symbolism.

A few hundred British troops will remain beyond the end of the year to help support the Afghan National Officer academy.

Britain continues to be one of the largest financial donors, providing £178m every year until 2017 to support public services such as health, education and infrastructure projects.

It come ahead of a key conference to be held in London next month to discuss future aid to Afghanistan.

On the way to Kabul, David Cameron also dropped in on British troops in Cyprus, announcing two British Tornado planes to join the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq.

As one conflict comes to a close, another all too familiar one opens up.

By visiting Afghanistan, the Prime Minister was making it clear, the country mustn't descend into the crisis Iraq now finds itself in, that Britain would always be a "strong friend and a good partner".

Over the past decade, the majority of terrorism threats to Britain emanated from the Afghan region.

That is no longer the case and today's visit and continued commitment is to ensure it doesn't turn back that way.