Australian Parliament Relaunches Parliamentary Friends of the People of Afghanistan

23 June 2026

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan welcomes the relaunch of the Parliamentary Friends of the People of Afghanistan at Parliament House in Canberra, describing it as a significant reaffirmation of Australia’s enduring friendship, solidarity and commitment to the people of Afghanistan, particularly at this difficult moment in the country’s history.

The event was attended by the Ambassador of Afghanistan, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Members and Senators of the Australian Parliament, representatives of the Australian Government, civil society organisations, and members of the Afghan-Australian community.

The Embassy expresses its sincere appreciation to all Members and Senators of the Australian Parliament who contributed to the revival of this important initiative.

Opening the event, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon Milton Dick MP, reflected on Australia’s continued commitment to the people of Afghanistan. He paid tribute to the service and efforts of the Ambassador of Afghanistan and the Embassy team, and reaffirmed the solidarity of the Australian Parliament with the Afghan people.

The Hon Julian Hill MP, Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of the People of Afghanistan and Assistant Minister, commended the service of His Excellency Ambassador Wahidullah Waissi and acknowledged his contribution to strengthening relations between Afghanistan and Australia. He praised the Ambassador’s work in support of human rights, the Afghan diaspora, and advocacy initiatives including the A Thousand Suns campaign for Afghan women and girls.

Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP, speaking on behalf of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, referred to the human rights situation in Afghanistan and reaffirmed Australia’s continued support for the Afghan people. He emphasised that Australia would not allow the current situation in Afghanistan to become a “new normal”. He also highlighted Australia’s ongoing humanitarian assistance, its support for the rights of women and girls, and its commitment to holding the Taliban accountable for human rights violations.

Dr Monique Ryan MP, Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of the People of Afghanistan, also spoke about the longstanding bonds between the peoples of Afghanistan and Australia. She underlined the support of Australians, particularly Australian women, for the women and girls of Afghanistan.

In his remarks, His Excellency Ambassador Wahidullah Waissi expressed deep appreciation for the sustained support of successive Australian Governments and the Australian Parliament over the past two decades. He particularly acknowledged Australia’s role in the evacuation, resettlement and support of vulnerable Afghans following the events of August 2021.

“Australia provided safety, support and hope to thousands of vulnerable Afghans,” Ambassador Waissi said. “Many who came to this country in search of protection during those difficult days are now proud Australian citizens, contributing meaningfully to Australia’s economic, social and cultural life.”

Referring to the current situation in Afghanistan and the systematic denial of basic rights to women and girls, Ambassador Waissi stressed that the people of Afghanistan and the Taliban must not be treated as one and the same.

“Support for Afghanistan must not translate into acceptance of the Taliban’s policies,” he said. “Humanitarian assistance does not require recognition of the Taliban, nor should it be interpreted as normalisation of the current situation.”

Ambassador Waissi welcomed the relaunch of the friendship group, noting that, in the absence of a legitimate government in Afghanistan, the group’s renewed title — Parliamentary Friends of the People of Afghanistan — carries particular significance.

“The relaunch of this parliamentary friendship group sends an important and encouraging message to the people of Afghanistan: they have not been forgotten. Australia’s friendship with the people of Afghanistan continues beyond political circumstances and current developments,” he said.

On the margins of the event, Members and Senators participated in the A Thousand Suns campaign by writing messages of solidarity for the women and girls of Afghanistan.

The relaunch of the Parliamentary Friends of the People of Afghanistan comes at a time when the Afghan people continue to face serious humanitarian, economic and human rights challenges. This initiative sends a clear message of continued support from the Parliament and people of Australia for the people of Afghanistan, the defence of human rights, the rights of women and girls, and the historic and human bonds between the two nations.