Tuesday April 4, 2017
Kabul (BNA) Australian Governor-General Peter Cosgrove has welcomed President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani to government house in Canberra of Australia yesterday, a statement from the presidential press office said.
Governor General Peter and President Ghani, flanked by senior officials and ministers, inspected Australia’s military guard before stepping inside for formal discussions.
Welcoming the first Afghan president to Australia, governor general pointed to his last year’s trip to Afghanistan and praised the bravery and sacrifices of the Afghan security forces in war on terror, adding his country would remain committed to its cooperation with Afghan government.
Pointing to Afghanistan’s achievements in different spheres, Australian governor general said eye-catching achievements have been made during the recent years in women’s education and their role within society and easing education facilities to Afghan children, adding Australia would further assist the Afghan government in building the life of Afghan people.
Thanking warm hospitality of the Australian government and people, President Ghani praised Australian cooperation with Afghan government in war on terror and paid tribute to 42 Australian soldiers who have lost their lives in war on terror in Afghanistan, calling Australia and Afghanistan two friends and old international partners.
Pointing to imposed war, President Ghani said Afghanistan has been in the front line of combat against terrorism, adding Afghan security forces fighting terrorists in order to keep stable the region and the world as a whole. He also called for joint counterterrorism efforts in the region.
Hinting to increasing role of women within government, the president said there are many women working in the cabinet, appointed as the ambassadors and working in other different civil and military organs.
According to another report, President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani met Australia’s Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday, April 3, 2017. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in a separate meeting has pledged Australia’s ongoing support for Afghanistan and signed a $320 million development agreement, during an historic visit by President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani.
Turnbull turned on a warmer welcome saying Australia would remain focused on helping Afghanistan in its efforts to become more prosperous, secure and self-reliant. The pair signed a memorandum of understanding for the Afghanistan-Australia development partnership worth $320 million over four years to 2020.
The two countries will co-operate on infrastructure, education and employment of women and girls, agriculture and water management, training of Afghan civil servants and anti-corruption initiatives.
Also, Geoscience Australia will work with the Afghan mines ministry to improve the management of energy, mineral and water resources.
The leaders also discussed the security situation in Afghanistan.
In a separate meeting President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani met Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop at his residential on Monday, the presidential press office said, adding two sides discussed enhancing bilateral ties.
Australian Foreign Minister condemned terrorist attack on Sardar Mohammad Daud Khan hospital, saying his country would remain committed to support Afghan government and people.
Praising Australian cooperation with Afghanistan, President Ghani said such cooperation and assistance have left positive impact on routine life of the Afghan people.
President Ghani’s four-day visit to Australia – the first by an Afghan president – will wrap up on Wednesday April 5, 2017.
