WASHINGTON, March 27: US President George W. Bush has said that Afghanistan is the most important place for Nato to show its commitment to fight terrorism.

Mr Bush emphasised Afghanistan’s critical role in the war against terror at two separate appearances – at a briefing with Washington-based foreign correspondents at the White House and at an earlier visit to the Pentagon – urging Nato allies to fulfil their commitment to helping Afghanistan fight terrorists.

He said that for Nato to stay relevant, it’s was important to work in a collaborative fashion to deal with the threats and the opportunities of the 21st Century.

“And there’s no better opportunity to deal with the threats of terror than in Afghanistan,” he added.

Mr Bush said that at a Nato meeting in Romania early next month, he would encourage America’s allies “to take our obligations (in Afghanistan) seriously”.

The US leader welcomed French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s pledge to send more troops to Afghanistan and said it was “a very important preamble” to the Nato conference.

“It will pretty much ensure that this conference is a successful conference,” he said. “Nations will watch very carefully; when you combine our commitment, the Canadian commitment, the British commitment and the French commitment of troops that will be in harm’s way.”

A combined commitment of these nations to enhance their participation in the war against terror in Afghanistan, Mr Bush said, sends a strong statement that “Nato understands the threats, understands the challenges, and is willing to rise to them”.