The Italian Prime Minister, Romano Prodi, has visited Afghanistan, a day after similar trips by French and Australian leaders.
Mr Prodi held talks with the Afghan President, Hamid Karzai, and the commander of Nato forces fighting Taleban militants, Gen Dan McNeill.
He also travelled to the western city of Herat, where the bulk of the Italian contingent is based.
Italy has more than 2,300 soldiers in Afghanistan.
"The Afghans must receive help from the international community," Mr Prodi told Italian news agency Ansa in Kabul upon his arrival.
Italy has lost 10 soldiers in Afghanistan, prompting a communist faction supporting Mr Prodi's coalition government to call for the withdrawal of Italian troops.
The Italian contingent is involved mainly in training local Afghan forces.
^ Back to top | BBC Sport Home | BBC Homepage | Contact us | Help | ©
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~18~RS~)