KABUL, March 1 (Xinhuanet) -- President George W. Bush on Wednesday described Washington's commitment towards the post-Taliban Afghanistan as strong and stressed it wants to see it prosperous.

    "Our commitment is firm, our desire is to see this country flourishes," Bush told newsmen at a joint press conference with his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai after exchanging views at Presidential Palace.

    He also hoped that Afghans understand the people of America have great regard for human rights and human dignity.

    Bush, who made a stopover in Afghanistan on the way to India, described Washington's relations with Afghanistan as strategic and important.

    "It is strategic relationship, it is an important relationship for our two countries, important relationship for Afghanistan," Bush stressed.

    "The United States is here at the request of Afghanistan government elected by the people," he noted.

    The U.S. leader, who is paying visit to India and Pakistan, said that Indo-U.S. relations are broader and encompass in both economic and strategic sphere.

    Referring to his talks with Pakistani leaders, the U.S. President said that he will take up the issue of terrorism and militants' infiltration to Afghanistan with President Musharaf in Islamabad.

    Bush, who visited U.S. troops' headquarters Wednesday in Bagram 50 km north of Kabul, later on flew to India. Enditem