British Prime Minister David Cameron says he wants British troops to leave Afghanistan before Britain's next election in 2015.
Interviewed in Canada on Friday before a G20 summit meeting, he told Sky News: "We can't be there for another five years, having been there for nine years already.
"But one thing we should be clear about - Britain should have a long-term relationship with Afghanistan, including helping to train their troops and their civil society, long after the vast bulk of troops have gone home."
However, he said he preferred not to "deal in too strict timetables".
Mr Cameron's aides say the remarks do not suggest any new timetable for a withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Britain is the second biggest contributor to the international force in Afghanistan, with about 10,000 troops deployed there.
