WASHINGTON, Sept 26, 2008 (AFP) - US President George W. Bush said in talks Friday with Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai that he saw much work to do in the strife-torn country, but also 'progress and promise' for the future.

'No question it's difficult,' said Bush, who ordered more US troops to Afghanistan recently to fight resurgent Islamist extremists, but 'there is progress and promise and hope.'

Karzai noted that Bush leaves office in January, told him Afghans grateful for the 2001 US-led toppling of the Taliban Islamist militia will remember him fondly -- and invited him to come see their affection for himself.

'My trip this time to Washington ... is for one reason alone, and that is to thank you -- and through you the American people -- for all that you have done for Afghanistan,' said Karzai.

'I would like you to remember, as you leave office, that Afghanistan will remember you tremendously nicely, with affection,' he added. 'Come and visit us so we can show it to you in a manner that we do traditionally in Afghanistan.'

The two leaders, surrounded by top military and diplomatic aides, spoke after a secure videoconference with US commanders, regional governors, and 'provincial reconstruction teams' in Afghanistan.

'This is a central part of a counterinsurgency strategy which combines economic development, education, infrastructure, with security, all aimed to help this young democracy not only survive but to thrive, so it never becomes a safe haven for those who would do us harm again,' said Bush.

Karzai drew laughter from the group when he said he had been grateful 'to have had your patience with me and some of our habits.'