By Alistair Bunkall, Defence Correspondent
David Cameron has landed in Afghanistan to meet the country's new president.
The Prime Minister flew into the country overnight to become the first world leader to visit Ashraf Ghani since his inauguration last week.
On his way, he made a surprise pit-stop in Cyprus last night to thank British troops who have carried out airstrikes on Islamic State extremists in Iraq.
He also announced two more RAF Tornado bombers will be joining the mission.
The trip also comes days after the new president signed vital security agreements allowing foreign troops to remain in the country beyond the end of this year.
The Status of Forces Agreement was long overdue. It provides the legal framework for international forces to train and mentor Afghan counterparts.
David Cameron will hold bilateral meetings with both President Ghani and his opponent in the elections, Abdullah Abdullah, who has been appointed Chief Executive in an power-sharing agreement that is hoped will bring peace to Afghanistan.
The Taliban has described it as a "US orchestrated sham".
President Ghani came to power at a risky moment for Afghanistan as foreign combat troops prepare to pull out at the end of the year.
Afghan forces will be responsible for their own security after 13 years of foreign occupation.
International Security Assistance Force troops will remain in an advisory and mentoring role only while the British will operate the Officer Training Academy outside Kabul, nicknamed Sandhurst-in-the-Sand.
Special Forces soldiers will continue to operate in the country.
This is Mr Cameron's eighth visit to Afghanistan as Prime Minister and his last with British troops in a combat role.
All British forces will have left Afghanistan by the end of the year, with the exception of a few hundred who will remain for the training mission.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to the 453 UK servicemen and women who have died in the course of operations in the country as well as to those who had been injured.
"They (the armed forces) have paid a very high price for our engagement in Afghanistan. They have done vital work here," he said.
"We should remember those who paid the ultimate price and those who were injured through the work they did."
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