Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt defended on Wednesday the embattled top US commander in Afghanistan, insisting that "stability" of leadership was of the essence for the country.

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US President Barack Obama met Stanley McChrystal for half-hour one-on-one talks Wednesday in Washington amid speculation that the four-star US general might be fired for disparaging remarks in a magazine article.

"In order to be successful in our operations in Afghanistan, we need long-term stability and strategic patience in what we do," Bildt told a news conference.

In Rolling Stone's profile, titled "The Runaway General," McChrystal aides mocked US Vice President Joe Biden, dismissed Obama's national security adviser as "a clown," and revealed that McChrystal was "disappointed" by his first meeting with Obama.

On his blog, Bildt said that the possibility the general would be fired was "clearly disappointing" and downplayed McCrystal's comments as "not well thought out."

"I have read the article mentioned, and the only quote of General McChrystal I've noticed, is that he notices he gets 'another e-mail' from Richard Holbrooke," Bildt told reporters, referring to the US special envoy to the region.

"The rest is said by other people. Let's say that I have myself worked with Mr. Holbrooke through the years, so I understand the sentiment expressed," he added ironically.

"I'm not the American authorities, but I wouldn't bother too much," he said.

Sweden has contributed 500 soldiers to the international force in Afghanistan.