President Bush, right, gestures as he speaks during his joint press conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai |
The White House has yet to release details of the agreement, but both men spoke of a "strategic partnership" during a news conference that followed their meeting at the White House Monday.
Mr. Bush said American troops in Afghanistan will remain under U.S. control despite indications from Mr. Karzai that he would like more authority over them. Mr. Karzai said he was "sad" about recent reports of abuse of Afghan prisoners by U.S. troops, but that it does not reflect on the American people.
In his remarks, Mr. Karzai promised to eradicate Afghan poppy production in the next six years. His comments follow U.S. criticism of his anti-drug program.