PM In Formal Talks With Mr Obama - Sky News

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5:46am UK, Wednesday March 14, 2012

Hannah Thomas-Peter, US reporter

David Cameron and US President Barack Obama will hold formal talks at the White House on the second day of the Prime Minister's official visit to America.

The two leaders are expected to focus on the timetable for the withdrawal of US and UK troops from lead combat roles in Afghanistan, possibly as early as the middle of 2013.

All Nato combat troops are due to be withdrawn from the country by the end of 2014, with only those involved in supporting and training Afghan security forces remaining.

Mr Cameron travelled with Mr Obama on Air Force One

But in a jointly-written article published in the Washington Post, Mr Cameron and Mr Obama said they would consult on troops "shifting to a support role in advance of Afghans taking full responsibility for security in 2014".

Speaking to reporters on the plane journey from Britain to America, the Prime Minister said: "I think people want an endgame. They want to know that our troops are going to come home. They have been there a very long time.

"What I define as doing the job is leaving Afghanistan looking after its own security, not being a haven for terror, without the involvement of foreign troops. That should be our goal."

The discussions are particularly sensitive following the recent deaths of six British servicemen, the accidental burning of Korans by US troops at Bagram air base, and the murder of 16 Afghan civilians by a US soldier, something David Cameron called an "absolutely dreadful event".

The men will also discuss the growing tension over Iran and its nuclear ambitions, the violence in Syria, and the global economy.

The Prime Minister expressed frustration at the lack of international agreement on how to respond to Syria.

He said: "What's happening in Homs is completely appalling.

"I'm endlessly kicking the tyres and asking what else can be done. The shortest way of ending the violence is a transition where Assad goes, rather than a revolution from the bottom."

After the bilateral talks there will be a joint press conference, followed by a lunch at the State Department attended by Chancellor George Osborne, Foreign Secretary William Hague and US secretary of state Hillary Clinton, among others.

Michelle Obama and Samantha Cameron talked Olympics

But on the second day of a visit designed to reaffirm what the two leaders called a "unique and essential" special relationship, there will be plenty of pomp and ceremony.

The Prime Minister and his wife Samantha will be formally welcomed to the White House in the morning.

The President, the First Lady, vice president Joe Biden and his wife, along with 6,000 invited guests are expected to receive the couple on the building's South Lawn.

In the evening, the Camerons will attend a state banquet held in their honour at the White House.

Sir Richard Branson, Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville and golfer Rory McIlroy are reportedly among the 300 guests attending.

British folk rock band Mumford and Sons is expected to perform, as well as Grammy award-winning artist John Legend.

On Tuesday Mr Cameron became the first foreign leader to travel with the president aboard his private plane, Air Force One.

The pair flew to Ohio, a crucial swing state in the coming presidential elections, to watch a college basketball match.

They munched hotdogs while they watched the action, and appeared to be enjoying themselves, often laughing and chatting with students sat around them.

During a live half time interview, the only joint interview granted during the trip, Mr Cameron plugged the London Olympics.

He also said that the game they were watching was 'fast and furious" and that President Obama was helping him follow the action.

The Camerons and the Obamas in Downing Street last May

Mr Obama in turn said that Mr Cameron would teach him about cricket and said: "Because I don't understand what's going on with that cricket thing."

Samantha Cameron and First Lady Michelle Obama attended a children's sports event to highlight Mrs Obama's fight against obesity.

The First Lady also announced she would be leading the US delegation to the London 2012 Olympics.

The two women are expected to go to another school later today and tomorrow the Prime Minister will travel to New York.

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