Washington - The British people remain committed to the "vital" mission in Afghanistan despite weakened public support in recent weeks, Foreign Minister David Miliband said Wednesday.

Meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Miliband said the military element was essential for long-term success in Afghanistan, alongside building political and economic stability.

"The British people understand the vital nature of the mission that's taking place in Afghanistan, and they know that Afghanistan was the incubator for global terrorism that struck with such deadly effect in September 2001," referring to the attacks on the United States.

"What we need to make sure is that there is a sufficient and clear Afghan drive to provide the governance that that country needs at national and, critically, at provincial and district level," he said.

Since taking office, President Barack Obama and Clinton have emphasized the importance of building Afghan institutions, developing the economy and bolstering security forces, and Obama ordered a buildup of US forces to intensify the fight against the Taliban.

US and British forces have launched an assault in southern Afghanistan, which was followed by an increase in casualties that has eroded public support in Britain.

"We are grateful for the strong support that we have received from the British government and particularly the bravery of the British troops who are fighting alongside our own," Clinton said.(dpa)