Media Releases - 2013
Launch of the Australian-Afghan Business Council
Wednesday, 18 December 2013
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Australian Defence Force Completes Mission in Uruzgan
Monday, 16 December 2013
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security Council Press Statement on Attacks in Afghanistan
4 December 2013
The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms attacks in Afghanistan’s Uruzgan province on 26 November and Faryab province on 27 November, which resulted in the death of nine development workers and brought the number of attacks against humanitarian personnel, facilities and assets in Afghanistan to 237 so far this year. The members of the Security Council expressed their deep sympathy and sincere condolences to the families of the victims of these heinous acts, and to the Government and people of Afghanistan. The members of the Security Council condemned acts of violence against development workers and humanitarian personnel. The members of the Security Council underlined that personnel targeted in these attacks are undertaking essential work in support of the Afghan people, and that the continuation of attacks against development workers and humanitarian personnel significantly impedes the delivery of this important assistance to Afghanistan. The members of the Security Council reiterated their serious concern at the threats posed by the Taliban, Al-Qaida and illegal armed groups to the local population, national security forces, international military and international assistance efforts in Afghanistan, particularly in light of a number of recent terrorist attacks in Kabul and elsewhere in the country. The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice, and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Afghan authorities in this regard. The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of its motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed, and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group. The members of the Security Council reaffirmed the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and all obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts. The members of the Security Council reiterated that no terrorist act can reverse the path towards Afghan-led peace, democracy and stability in Afghanistan, which is supported by the people and the Government of Afghanistan and the international community.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Australia Awaits Kabul-Washington Pact for Post-2014 Plans
Friday, 15 November 2013
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prime Minister Abbott's Visit to Afghanistan
Monday, 28 October 2013
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Defence Minister Senator David Johnston Visits Kabul
28 October 2013
Defence Minister Senator David Johnston, accompanied by Chief of the Defence Force, General David Hurley, visited Kabul on 28 October following a recognition ceremony to mark the conclusion of Australia’s civil and military mission in Uruzgan. He met with First Vice President and Acting President Marshal Mohammad Qasim Fahim and Defence Minister Bismillah Mohammadi.Senator Johnston said Afghanistan has made important gains, and that Australia continues to be committed to supporting security and stability in Afghanistan through to the end of transition and beyond, including through training the Afghan National Security Forces. Australia will continue to support Afghanistan through cooperation in security, aid and development, and continuing to build the capacity of the Afghanistan’s national institutions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prime Minister Abbott's Address at Recognition Ceremony, Tarin Kot, Afghanistan
Monday, 28 October 2013
Prime Minister Abbott's Remarks to Troops, Tarin Kot, Afghanistan
Monday, 28 October 2013
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recognition Ceremony acknowledges Australia’s contribution in Uruzgan
Monday, 28 October 2013
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Australian Chargé to Afghanistan Congratulates Afghanistan Cricket Team
6 October 2013
Australian Chargé d’Affaires Mr Adrian Morrison congratulated the Afghanistan national cricket team for its recent victory at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, which meant Afghanistan qualified to participate in the World Cup 2015 in Australia and New Zealand.
“Afghanistan’s journey in cricket has been remarkable. It will be an honour to host the team for the 2015 World Cup,” said Mr Morrison.
Australia and Afghanistan will in the same pool for the World Cup 2015, and both countries are enthusiastically anticipating an exciting match.
Australian and Afghan national cricket teams previously enjoyed a friendly match in August 2012 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.