British PM, U.S. presidential candidate McCain meet on Iraq, climate change

LONDON, March 20 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Gordon Brown met with U.S. Republican presidential candidate John McCain Thursday to discuss Iraq and climate change.

McCain told reporters outside 10 Downing Street that his 45-minute talks with Brown covered a variety of issues, including Iraq and climate change.

The two sides expressed great appreciation for the long-standing and unique relationship between Britain and the United States, and spoke highly of the common values and common efforts that are made by both countries on national security and other issues, he said.

McCain said that nations with "common values" must work together on issues such as climate change.

Applauding Brown's lead on the issue, McCain said he was hopeful of a global deal including China and India.

He also expressed his gratitude for the British "sacrifices" in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"We thank the prime minister and the British people for the enormous service and sacrifice of the men and women of the military, both in Iraq and Afghanistan," he said.

He said the problem with Iraq is because it was mishandled after the initial success. That caused "great sacrifice, frustration and sorrow."

But he said that the situation in Iraq had improved, though "al-Qaida is on the run, not defeated."

McCain's brief visit to Britain is part of his wider tour which has also taken him to Iraq, Jordan and Israel.