Kabul, March 28, SPA -- The United States is spendingUS$83 million (¤64 million) to upgrade its two main airbases in Afghanistan, an Air Force general said Monday, thelatest indication that American forces will remain in thecountry for years. Brig. Gen. Jim Hunt said the money was being spent onconstruction projects already underway at Bagram Air Base,north of Kabul, and Kandahar Air Field in the south. A newrunway is being built at Bagram, the biggest Afghanairfield used by the U.S. military. "We are continuously improving runways, taxiways,navigation aids, airfield lighting, billeting and otherfacilities to support our demanding mission," Hunt said ata news conference in the capital. Afghan leaders are seeking a long-term "strategicpartnership" with the United States, which expects tocomplete the training of the country's new 70,000-strongarmy next year.--SPA1130 Local Time 0830 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/250321