British PM continues visit in New York area

NEWARK, New Jersey — British Prime Minister David Cameron on Thursday continued his U.S. visit in New Jersey before returning to New York City, where he plans to pay his respects at the 9/11 memorial.

With Newark Mayor Cory Booker as his guide, Cameron stopped by businesses in the impoverished city that have been helped by local economic development aid. They included a restaurant decorated for St. Patrick's Day and a coffee shop where the two men grabbed a table and talked.

"I'm a great believer that big-city leaders can do great things for their communities," Cameron said.

A day after his joint appearance with President Barack Obama, in which the two men discussed the war in Afghanistan, Cameron planned a trip to the World Trade Center site and the memorial for the lives lost in the terrorist attack.

Cameron also was scheduled to meet with students at New York University and visit the New York Stock Exchange. His flight back to England was scheduled for late Thursday night.

Cameron arrived in the U.S. on Tuesday. His trip included a college basketball game with Obama and a state dinner at the White House.

The two leaders discussed the war in Afghanistan at a joint appearance on Wednesday, saying NATO forces would hand over the lead combat role to Afghanistan forces next year as the U.S. and its allies aim to get out by the end of 2014.

Obama, 50, and Cameron, 45, appeared to enjoy each other's company.