U.S. President Barack Obama ended his unannounced six-hour trip to Afghanistan Monday after cheering the U.S. troops and meeting with President Hamid Karzai. U.S. National Security Adviser Gen. James Jones, prior to Obama's arrival Sunday, had briefed reporters on the visit, Obama's first since becoming president, the United Press International (UPI) reported. At a news conference in Karzai's presidential palace, Obama, showing support for his counterpart, said: "The American people are encouraged by the progress that's been made." On his part, Karzai thanked the U.S. president for America's support, adding he hoped for the continuation of the partnership between the two countries. Addressing U.S. troops and civilians at Bagram Air base, Obama expressed confidence they would be victorious. "There is no visit that I consider more important than this visit I am making now," said the president, who in December ordered an additional 30,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan.
