President Bush, right, walks in with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, left, before the start of their joint news conference

President Bush says American troops in Afghanistan will remain under U.S. control, despite indications from Afghan President Karzai that he would like more authority over them.

After meeting at the White House today, the two leaders held a news conference. Mr. Bush said the U.S. military will "cooperate and consult" with the Afghan government in its efforts to rout out remnants of al-Qaida.

President Karzai said the Afghan people are "sad" about recent reports of abuse of Afghan prisoners by U.S. troops, but that it does not reflect on the American people.

Mr. Bush and Mr. Karzai signed an agreement calling for increased U.S.-Afghan cooperation on political, economic and security matters, and both men spoke of a "strategic partnership."

Mr. Karzai promised to eradicate Afghan poppy production in the next six years. His comments follow U.S. criticism of his anti-opium program.