According to the official reports, U. S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton outlined an American presence in Afghanistan that will continue even after U. S. troops have left the country, a significant change of perspective for the administration.

Clinton said Tuesday, opening a day of consultations with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and many members of his Cabinet, "This partnership is a long-term commitment. This commitment, Mr. President will endure long after U. S. combat troops have left."

Clinton said, "We will not abandon the Afghan people."

The atmosphere appeared much improved from recent tensions between the two countries when U. S. officials had harshly criticized Karzai for not being firm enough on fighting corruption.

Clinton said about the public bickering, "The ability to disagree is not an obstacle … rather, it reflects a level of trust."

Sitting at the head of a long table lined with top U. S. and Afghan officials, the two leaders tried to leave behind those negative impressions.

It was "a special pleasure" to be host to the delegation, which she had welcomed with a dinner the night before. Karzai in return praised Clinton's hospitality and expressed gratitude for U. S. sacrifices in Afghanistan, Clinton said.

Karzai said, "We have made immense progress." He called on the U. S. to support Afghan development "as we propose it and as it would leave Afghanistan with long-term economic and security stability."

Both said they plan to discuss the long-term partnership between the countries across a range of issues. The presence of the Afghan ministers of the interior, agriculture, finance, education and health, among others, was a testimony to this broader approach. (With Inputs from Agencies)