Chief of Defence attends Intl Security Assistance meeting

Chief of Defence Force attends key International Security Assistance Force meeting on Afghanistan

The Chief of the Defence Force, General David Hurley has represented Australia the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Chiefs of Defence Staff International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) session on Afghanistan at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on 18 and 19 January 2012.

General Hurley said there were constructive discussions on current progress in Afghanistan and the future of the international community’s commitment.

“We are at a decisive point in the transition from an ISAF to an Afghan security lead. It is critical that Australia and our Afghan partners maintain the campaign's positive momentum" General Hurley said.

The NATO Chiefs of Defence Staff meeting is one of the precursors to the Chicago Summit in May which will shape the Strategic Plan for Afghanistan post 2014 and enduring security force assistance.

General Hurley reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to maintain our relationship with Afghanistan as it takes responsibility for its security and governance beyond 2014.

“As security conditions improve through 2012 we expect to see Afghan authorities continue to take the security lead. In this light, Australia continues to make progress in training the Afghan National Army Brigade in Uruzgan Province,” General Hurley said.

General Hurley also conducted a number of bilateral meetings including discussions with US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey; NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, General Stéphane Abrial and ISAF Commander, General John Allen.

ENDS

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