Hillary Clinton has affirmed her commitment to the "special" relationship between the US and Britain.

The new Secretary of State met Foreign Secretary David Miliband in Washington for the first high-level talks between the Government and the Obama administration.

Mrs Clinton said: "It is often said the United States and Britain have enjoyed a special relationship. It is certainly special in my mind and one that has proven very productive.

"Whoever is in the White House, whichever party in our country, this relationship really stands the test of time and I look forward to working with the Foreign Secretary."

Mrs Clinton said the two countries "share fundamental values and important fundamental objectives" on terrorism, the economic downturn, the Middle East, world poverty, disease and climate change - all of which were discussed at the meeting.

She also paid tribute to the "sacrifice and commitment of troops" in Afghanistan.

There are growing expectations that Mr Obama may call on Britain to deploy more troops in Afghanistan as the US seeks to make more decisive gains against the Taliban.

Mr Miliband said the talks had been "detailed, substantive, friendly and also I think focused on results".

Both nations wanted to "renew and refresh the special relationship", he said.

Mr Miliband described the new US stance towards Iran - offering to welcome it into the international community if it recognised its responsibilities - as a "very important message".

He said he had also briefed Mrs Clinton on the forthcoming G20 conference that is to be chaired by Gordon Brown in London in April, adding: "We look forward to very strong American commitment and representation there."

© Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.