British Prime Minister Tony Blair confirmed on Wednesday that Britain is committed to finishing the job of fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan.

In a joint press conference, held after meeting with visiting Afghan President Hamid Karzai at Downing Street, he said securing the war-torn nation's future was necessary to protect Britain.

Although British troops faced a "tough and difficult job," he was "determined to do everything we can to make sure the mission is successful in the south of Afghanistan," he said.

Britain is to increase its military presence in southern Afghanistan by about 800 troops by late summer.

Blair also praised the courage of his counterpart, President Karzai, in fighting the Taliban. He said that since 2001 much progress had been made in Afghanistan, including girls being back in school and a growing economy.

Karzai said Afghanistan was immensely grateful for Britain's help, and said he had full confidence in what Britain was doing to help Afghanistan.

Narcotics and the fight against terrorism were the main challenges Afghanistan faced, he said. There were signs that the Taliban could be contained and with help from their neighbors, the fight could be won, he added.

Source: Xinhua