Senator the Hon Marise Payne
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The Hon Christopher Pyne MP
24 Aug 18
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Related ministers and contacts
The Hon Julie Bishop MP
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Senator the Hon Marise Payne
Minister for Defence
Media contacts
Foreign Minister’s Office: Liam O’Neil 0428 113 617
Defence Minister’s Office: Henry Budd 0429 531 143
Release content
18 June 2018
The Australian Government welcomes President Ashraf Ghani’s offer to extend the Afghan Government’s ceasefire with the Taliban, so that it continues after the Eid al-Fitr celebration.
We support President Ghani’s efforts to initiate a peace process to end the country’s conflict, including an offer in February for peace-talks with the Taliban without preconditions.
The Afghan people have overwhelmingly supported the cessation of hostilities during Eid, a symbolic time for peace and goodwill. The ceasefire has given Afghans hope that lasting peace may be possible.
Australia is part of the NATO-led international Coalition that is assisting Afghanistan to provide security for its citizens, deny safe haven to terrorist groups such as Islamic State and Al Qaeda, and rebuild after years of violence.
We will continue to assist the people of Afghanistan as they work to achieve a more secure and prosperous future.