On 17 January, the Prime Minister visited Australian Defence Force and civilian personnel working in Afghanistan and thanked them for their service.
Australians serving in Afghanistan are playing a vital role supporting the security and development of Afghanistan.
The Prime Minister met with Afghan President Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah to discuss Afghanistan’s political and security outlook.
The Prime Minister reiterated Australia’s support for the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission and informed President Ghani that Australia will increase its military commitment to Resolute Support by approximately 20 personnel, in line with recent decisions by NATO and the United States to sustain the mission through 2016. This will bring Australia’s total commitment to approximately 270 personnel.
The Prime Minister invited President Ghani to visit Australia in 2016 and President Ghani accepted.
The Prime Minister and CEO Abdullah discussed the historic political changes underway in Afghanistan with the formation of the National Unity Government. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to assisting Afghanistan, particularly in maximising returns from dry land farming.
The Prime Minister also met General John F Campbell, Commander, Resolute Support Mission, to discuss Australia’s contribution to the mission, and annual financial commitment of US$100 million to security sector sustainment from 2015 to 2017.
In a meeting with key development agency partners, the Prime Minister underlined Australia’s ongoing commitment to Afghanistan’s development.