Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama met Saturday with officials of a region of Afghanistan that has been a hotbed of Taliban and al-Qaida activity.

An Afghan official says Obama offered his support for reconstruction and security there and throughout the country.

The Illinois senator is undertaking a campaign-season tour of combat zones and foreign capitals.

Traveling with Obama were Nebraska Republican Chuck Hagel and Rhode Island Democrat Jack Reed. The senators, both military veterans, have been mentioned as potential Obama vice presidential running mates, but Reed has said he's not interested in the job.

Hagel said last month that he would consider serving as Obama's running mate if asked, although he said he doesn't expect to be on the ticket.