Biden in Kabul to gauge progress toward Afghan-led security

US Vice President Joe Biden arrived in Kabul on Monday to evaluate Afghan progress toward being ready to take the lead in security matters later this year. Biden will also meet for talks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and US officials.

By News Wires (text)

AFP - US Vice President Joe Biden landed in Kabul late Monday on a mission to assess progress towards launching a transition to Afghan-led security later this year, and for talks with President Hamid Karzai.

Officials traveling with Biden said he would also meet the top US commander in Afghanistan, General David Petraeus, during the trip and also see US Ambassador to Kabul Karl Eikenberry.

"The primary purpose of the trip is to assess progress toward the transition to Afghan-led security beginning this year, and to demonstrate the United States' commitment to a long-term partnership with Afghanistan," the White House said in a statement.

"While in Afghanistan, the Vice President will meet with President Hamid Karzai, visit with US service members and civilian personnel, and tour an Afghan National Army Training Center.

Biden, who flew to Afghanistan on an unannounced trip, with a refueling stop in Germany, last visited Afghanistan as [vice] president-elect in January 2009.