Thus, Australia will raise to 270 the strength of its force in Afghanistan, where they lost at least 41 soldiers during their participation of over 12 years in the conflict after the US-led invasion in 2001.
Unlike his predecessor Tony Abbot, whom he replaced in 2015, Turnbull favors a less aggressive foreign policy.
However, in his brief speech he underlined the danger that a resurgence of extremist groups and the spiral of violence in Afghanistan represent.
According to a report compiled by the local agency TOLOnews, the country recorded 9,996 terrorist attacks and armed clashes over the past year.
Therefore Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and the United States began talks today aimed at setting the groundwork for a negotiated solution to almost 15 years of war between government forces backed by the US and Taliban insurgency.
Talibans, who now control or dispute more territory than ever since their removal from power, are not participating in the talks.
sgl/yor/ro/abc
PL-28/MNA
Your Comment