Clinton hosts Miliband for talks

Afghanistan is due to be on the Washington agenda

The British and US governments are to hold their first ministerial-level talks since the inauguration of President Barack Obama last month.

British Foreign Secretary David Miliband will meet US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington.

Topics for discussion are expected to include Iran, Afghanistan, Middle East peace, and Guantanamo Bay.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier is also in Washington to meet Mrs Clinton.

Iran policy

Iran is subject to UN sanctions as some Western powers think it is trying to build a nuclear bomb, which it denies.

Mr Obama's predecessor, George W Bush, viewed Iran's nuclear enrichment programme, said to be for civil nuclear power, with hostility.

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.

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.

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.

The BBC correspondent in Washington says this could be discussed when Mrs Clinton meets Mr Steinmeier.

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.