US President Barack Obama paid an unannounced visit to Afghanistan on Sunday evening.

 

He met with his counterpart, Hamid Karzai, and other Afghan leaders urging them to do more to rein in rampant corruption and improve the country's government. Wan Chunning has more.

In meetings with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and his Cabinet, US leader Barack Obama demanded accountability, greater vigilance against corruption, and much better governance.

He also praised recent steps in the military campaign against insurgents, saying the US will not quit in Afghanistan, but adding that he's looking for an end to direct involvement in the fight against Taliban and al-Qaida extremists.

In response, Karzai promised that his nation will continue to make progress, and eventually take over its own security. He also thanked Obama for the ongoing American efforts in his country.

The US President then invited Karzai to visit Washington on May 12th.

Obama later addressed US military service members at Bagram Air Base, located several kilometers from the capital city, Kabul.

The US President expressed gratitude to the troops, noting that their mission in Afghanistan is "necessary" for and "essential" to the security of the American people.

He assured the soldiers of strong domestic support, and pledged to provide them with all necessary equipment.

This was Obama's first trip to Afghanistan since taking office in January 2009.