Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai have today signed a long-term partnership between Australia and Afghanistan.
This Comprehensive Long-Term Partnership is a clear demonstration of Australia's long-term commitment to supporting Afghanistan's security, development and governance following transition.
The Partnership was signed by Prime Minister Gillard and President Karzai at a bilateral meeting in Chicago today.
Under the Partnership, Australia will
* Work with Afghanistan to combat transnational threats such as terrorism, narcotics and people smuggling;
* Support Afghanistan's security after 2014;
* Support Afghanistan's development, including through an increased aid program;
* Encourage business and investment links;
* Cooperate on migration issues; and
* Foster people-to-people links and help preserve Afghanistan's cultural heritage.
Through the Partnership, Australia will also work with the Government of Afghanistan to build the capacity of government and national institutions to promote and protect human rights.
A Joint Commission will be established to review implementation of the Partnership and to provide a forum for regular dialogue on issues of shared strategic interest.
The Partnership will give confidence to the people of Afghanistan that Australia will stand side by side with Afghanistan beyond the end of transition in 2014.
The nature of Australia's engagement in Afghanistan will change after transition, but Australia's commitment to Afghanistan's stability and development will endure.