Australia vows improved ties with Afghanistan

KABUL (Pajhwok): Australia has pledged strengthening relationship with Afghanistan in areas of economic cooperation and development, a statement from the Presidential Palace said on Sunday.

This was stated by visiting Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne who called on President Ghani at Presidential Palace, the statement said.

The two sides discussed strengthening bilateral relationship, the peace process, opening of new chapter of Afghanistan’s relationship with the international community and future cooperation.

President Ghani thanked Australia for its cooperation with Afghanistan in different areas over the past 20 years and said the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan meant the opening of a new chapter.

Relationship with Australia and other nations would stand on the basis of mutual respect and shared interest, Ghani said.

The Australian foreign minister stressed the need for protection of the past achievements and continued support to Afghanistan besides ending its military mission in Afghanistan.

nh/ma