United States Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama (right) is seen with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in the garden of Number 10 Downing Street, London, England, yesterday. Presidential contender Barack Obama met with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown on the last leg of his European and Middle-Eastern tour.- aP

LONDON (AP): United States presidential contender Barack Obama defended his decision to travel to Europe and the Middle East, saying yesterday that problems encountered by Americans at home are often best dealt with by working with allies overseas.

Obama, who spoke to reporters after wrapping up talks with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, said he was not sure if there would be any immediate political impact from the trip and that he would not be surprised if there was a dip in some of the polls in the week since he left home. People in America, he said, are worried about gas prices and home foreclosures.

"The reason that I thought this trip was important is that I am convinced that many issues that we face at home are not going to be solved as effectively unless we have strong partners abroad," he said. "And unless we get a handle on Iraq and Afghanistan, not only are we going to be less safe, but it's also going to be a huge drain on resources."

wide range of issues

Obama said he and Brown discussed a wide range of issues, such as climate change, terrorism and financial markets.

"The prime minister's emphasis - like mine - is on how we can strengthen the trans-Atlantic relationship to solve problems that can't be solved by any single country individually," he said.

The Democratic hopeful seemed relaxed as he strolled down to the prime minister's office at 10 Downing St, pausing briefly to shake the hands of two somewhat startled police officers standing near the door. He turned to television cameras, smiled, waved and said "Hello," before walking into Number 10. Brown greeted him just inside the door.

Pooled television images showed Brown offering Obama a chair on the Downing Street terrace before they settled down for two hours of talks.

The pair later took a stroll in the sunshine around Horse Guards Parade, the vast open space where military reviews, such as Trooping the Colour, are often held. Tourists snapped pictures from a distance while security guards walked ahead of the two men.

The stroll in the vast arena offered a photo opportunity with a London backdrop for Obama, whose visit to Britain has been decidedly low-key, particularly after the huge crowds he drew earlier in the week in Germany.

Obama later said he had also wanted to take a walk through St James's Park, but security guards pulled him and Brown back. The park is near Buckingham Palace, home of Queen Elizabeth II.

With the exception of the walkabout, British officials took care to make certain the same photo opportunities were offered to Obama as were given to Republican presidential contender John McCain during his visit earlier this year. Protocol normally dictates that visiting contenders be given the same treatment, thereby avoiding the appearance of any favouritism.

Obama stressed the importance of the bond between the two nations.

"We've been through world wars together. We speak a common language. We share a belief in rule of law and due process," he said. "We just like the people. There is a deep and abiding affection for the British people in America and a fascination with all things British that's not going to go away any time soon."

The Illinois senator also offered reassurance to Brown, whose plummeting popularity took another hit this week when he lost a parliamentary by-election in a Scottish seat long held by the governing Labour Party. But Obama pointedly said Brown did not need his political advice.

postcard moment

"You're always more popular before you're actually in charge," Obama said. "Once you're responsible, then you're going to make some people unhappy."

Obama later met with Con-servative leader David Cameron for a postcard moment, posing for photographs in front of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

Earlier, he met with former Prime Minister Tony Blair, who is now a Middle East envoy. The meeting lasted for just over an hour.

The visit has generated enormous interest in Britain, with the press pack stretching the length of the road outside the prime minister's office. Reporters stood five or six deep in some spots, squatting beneath scaffolding to get a good view.

"We're going to impose some discipline on this mob," Obama quipped before answering questions.

Obama is winding up an election-season trip, financed by his campaign. Part of his goal for the trip through Afghanistan, the Mideast and Europe has been to allow him to make his debut on an international stage in hopes of reassuring skeptical voters in the United States about his readiness for the presidency.