NEW YORK, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President George W. Bush met Afghani President Hamid Karzai here Wednesday, having pledged to continue American support for the country to fight Taliban militants.

    "It's in the interest of the United States that we continue to help you," Bush said after meeting Karzai on the sidelines of a UN General Assembly session. "It's in our security interest that this democracy flourish."

    Bush said that he appreciated Karzai's report about the latest development of Afghanistan, reiterating there are signs of improvement in local education and health care in the war-torn country.

    In addition to anti-terror war, according to the White House, the leaders also discussed the importance of anti-narcotics efforts in the country.

    Afghan opium poppy cultivation, fueled by Taliban militants and corrupt officials, has hit a record high this year, a UN report said last month.

    Karzai, who has been president of Afghanistan since 2002, has been a strong ally of the United States. Afghanistan's government has been struggling with Taliban's resurgence and persistent narcotic trade.

    Currently, some 50,000 foreign troops, including about 25,000 from the United States, are deployed in the country in support of Karzai's government.