Cameron In Algeria: 'We Must Combat Terrorism'

David Cameron has pledged to do "everything we can do to combat terrorism" during a visit to Algeria in the wake of the hostage crisis.

He said he wanted to forge a closer relationship with countries in the region to combat the growing threat from al Qaeda.

The Prime Minister's visit follows the attack on the In Amenas gas plant in which six Britons and one British resident were killed.

"What I want to do is work with the Algerian government and with other governments in the region to make sure we do everything we can do to combat terrorism in a way that is both tough and intelligent," he said.

Mr Cameron is to hold talks with his counterpart, Abdelmalek Sellal, during his visit, the first by a UK Prime Minister to Algeria in 50 years.

He will also pay his respects to those killed in the hostage crisis. Some 37 foreigners, at least 10 Algerians and dozens of terrorists died in the attack.

Mr Cameron's visit comes after he pledged to send up to 240 troops to Mali to train its military and prepare soldiers from other African countries to combat the terror threat.

In Mali, al Qaeda has piggybacked the rebellion by the Tuareg people in the north to make incursions into the country.

However, there have been concerns over "mission creep" and fears that troops could be drawn into a protracted conflict in north Africa.

But Mr Cameron denied he was getting into another Iraq or Afghanistan-style campaign.

"We don't look at this region of the world and think that the answer is purely a military one," he said.

"It is not. What is required in countries like Mali, just as countries like Somalia on the other side of Africa, is that combination of tough approach on security, aid, politics, settling grievances and problems."

Mr Cameron also met staff at the British embassy in Algiers to thank them for their work during the hostage crisis.