KABUL (SW) – Australia has expressed concerns over surge in civilian casualties caused by the Taliban in Afghanistan.
According to the foreign minister, these views were expressed in a telephonic conversation between Afghan foreign minister Mohammad Hanif Atmar and his Australian counterpart Marise Payne.
They discussed the current situation in Afghanistan, diplomatic relations between the two countries, the continuation of humanitarian aid and the prospect of peace in Afghanistan.
Australian forces killed 39 Afghans unlawfully
Calls for ‘urgent end’ to Taliban offensives
Minister Atmar praised Australia’s two decades of security, development and humanitarian cooperation and the expansion of relations to preserve common values and interests between the two countries, especially in the current situation in Afghanistan, which is plagued by war, drought, food insecurity and Covid-19 pandemic.
Minister Payne expressed grave concern about the continuing Taliban violence, killing and torture of civilians, especially the torture of women and girls, the statement added.
She added that Australia was a strong supporter of a just, lasting and dignified peace in Afghanistan and stressed the importance of peace talks. She called on the Taliban to abide by their commitments to achieve peace.
The two sides agreed to work together on practical steps, including reviving Australia’s permanent diplomatic presence in Kabul, prosecuting the war crimes of a number of Australian Special Forces in Afghanistan, renewing the Mutual Partnership Agreement and signing a 2021-2024 Development Assistance Memorandum of Understanding.
ENDS
