Afghanistan progress to be supported: Philp

KABUL, reassured on Tuesday that Canberra was committed to helping Afghanistan continue to build on the progress achieved over the past decade.

In his farewell message, Philp noted that the national unity government had an exciting opportunity to deliver on the aspirations of the people of Afghanistan with its reform agenda.   

“I am genuinely sad to be leaving Afghanistan at such an important time for its future. Over the two years that I have served here, I have seen remarkable developments, including a peaceful national election culminating in the first democratic transfer of power from one President to another,” Philp said.

During his time, he said that “we’ve made a substantial contribution to international efforts to stabilise and rebuild Afghanistan. Our development program has contributed to international and Afghan government efforts to eliminate violence against women, to educate Afghan children, especially girls, and to provide humanitarian assistance.”

Philp said that Australian Defence Force would continue to provide training and capacity building assistance to the Afghan National Army (ANA). “I commend the Afghan people for their remarkable spirit as they work together with Australians to build a peaceful and prosperous future,” Philp added.

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