DHAKA: The White House says National Security Adviser Susan Rice is in Afghanistan to meet with government officials, including president Hamid Karzai, and visit US troops for the American harvest holiday of Thanksgiving.

The visit announced on Monday is Dr Rice’s first overseas trip as president Barack Obama’s top national security aide and comes as Karzai has cast doubt on the future of US and allied troops in Afghanistan.

On Sunday, Karzai rejected a recommendation by an Afghan assembly to quickly sign a security pact with the US.

Karzai says he will defer signing the pact until after elections in April. The US has wanted the deal inked by year`s end.

The White House said Dr Rice will meet with Karzai at the Afghan leader’s invitation, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1920 HRS, NOV 25, 2013