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Clinton hosts Miliband for talks US hails 'special ties' with UK
(about 7 hours later)
The British and US governments are to hold their first ministerial-level talks since the inauguration of President Barack Obama last month. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has paid tribute to Britain's "special relationship" with the US, saying it "stands the test of time".
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband will meet US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington. She was speaking after meeting UK counterpart David Miliband, her first ministerial-level talks since President Barack Obama's inauguration last month.
Topics for discussion are expected to include Iran, Afghanistan, Middle East peace, and Guantanamo Bay. The two discussed Afghanistan, Middle East peace and a range of other issues.
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier is also in Washington to meet Mrs Clinton. On Iran's nuclear row, Mrs Clinton repeated the US was "reaching out a hand, but the fist has to unclench".
Iran policy 'Friendly' talks
Iran is subject to UN sanctions as some Western powers think it is trying to build a nuclear bomb, which it denies. Mr Miliband was the first foreign minister to meet Mrs Clinton since she began her job two weeks ago.
Mr Obama's predecessor, George W Bush, viewed Iran's nuclear enrichment programme, said to be for civil nuclear power, with hostility. Whoever is in the White House, whichever party in our country, this relationship really stands the test of time Hillary ClintonUS Secretary of State
But President Obama has signalled a willingness to re-define relations with the Islamic republic, holding out the prospect of dialogue after decades of mutual suspicion. "Our two countries have stood side by side confronting global challenges for a very long time," Mrs Clinton said at a joint news conference with him.
On Afghanistan, where Nato-led forces and government troops are fighting a resurgent Taleban, the Obama administration is expected to announce the despatch of more troops, perhaps within the next few days. "We share fundamental values and important fundamental objectives," Mrs Clinton said.
The British army is actively engaged against the Taleban, especially in the southern province of Helmand, but German troops in Afghanistan are more restricted in their role. "It's often said that the United States and Great Britain have long enjoyed a special relationship. Well, it's certainly special in my mind and one that has proven very productive.
The BBC correspondent in Washington says this could be discussed when Mrs Clinton meets Mr Steinmeier. "Whoever is in the White House, whichever party in our country, this relationship really stands the test of time," Mrs Clinton added.
Our correspondent says Mr Steinmeier is likely to be asked to increase the German commitment to the wider war effort, even if he cannot send more troops. In his turn, Mr Miliband described the talks in Washington as "substantive and friendly".
He also said he believed America's European allies understood the need to "step up" to build a strong relationship.
"I think all of the European foreign ministers who come here this week will be bringing a very strong message. We have heard what you and the Obama administration have said about the commitment to work with allies.
"But we also know that allies have to step up to build a strong working relationship and I think all the European foreign ministers who come here don't just come with great expectations," Mr Miliband said.
After her talks with Mr Miliband, Mrs Clinton was due to meet German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Iran 'summit'
Mrs Clinton also said that she discussed with Mr Miliband Iran's nuclear row.
"It is clear that... Iran has an opportunity to step up and become a productive member of the international community," Mrs Clinton said.
She added that senior US diplomat Bill Burns would be joining officials from six major powers - US, Russia, China, UK, Germany, and France - in Germany on Wednesday to discuss the Iran issue.
Tehran is subject to UN sanctions as some Western powers think it is trying to build a nuclear bomb, which it denies.
However, President Obama has signalled a willingness to re-define relations with Iran, holding out the prospect of dialogue after decades of mutual suspicion.
Mrs Clinton also thanked Mr Miliband for British military support in Afghanistan.
The British army is actively engaged against the Taleban, especially in the southern province of Helmand.