Photo exhibition illustrates Australia’s commitment in Afghanistan
Australia’s ongoing efforts in bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan are at the centre of a photo exhibition held from 16 to 30 June at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.
Opening the exhibition together with the Australian Ambassador to Belgium, the European Communities and NATO, Mr Alan Thomas, NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer highlighted the prominent role that Australia is playing in Afghanistan. “In addition to the considerable military assets Australia has deployed to ISAF, it has also deployed many experts with a wide range of professional skills in the area of civilian stabilisation and reconstruction.”, he said.
Australia, whose increasingly close relationship with NATO started a decade ago, has helped improve rural infrastructure in Afghanistan including water supply, sanitation and irrigation. It has also supported the salaries of some 64,000 Afghan police to provide law and order services across Afghanistan.
Moreover, on 29 April 2009 Australia announced the expansion of its military and civilian commitment in Afghanistan. Australia’s troop commitment in Afghanistan will increase from 1100 to approximately 1550. Australia will also contribute USD 200 million over five years to the Afghan National Army Trust Fund.