On Tuesday the 10^th of December 2019 the Embassy of the I. R. of Afghanistan organized a farewell reception in honour of first Afghan cadets who successfully graduated from the two major Australian military and defence education institutions namely the Australian War College and Royal Military College-Duntroon.

Representatives of Australian Department of Defence, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, first Australian veteran and first Australian diplomat who served in Afghanistan, Director of the Asia Pacific College of Diplomacy, ANU, Deputy Minister of Haj and Religious Affairs and former deputy of Independent Directorate of Local Governance of I.R of Afghanistan were among the participants.   

Ambassador Wahidullah Waissi thanked Australian Government for providing education opportunities for Afghan cadets as part of Australia's contribution in train, advice and assist of Afghan defence and security forces and emphasized on the importance and need of continuation of such contributions.

Brigadier Warren Gould, former Australian Attaché in Kabul thanked the graduates for their dedication and hard- working during their study and wished them further success in their home country.

Three Afghan cadets were graduated this year. Colonel Hassib Sediqi and Major Farid Noor graduated from Defence and Strategic Studies Course and Australian Command and Staff Course under Australian War College respectively. The third graduate was Lieutenant Mirwais Aryan who graduated from Army Officer Commissioning Course, Royal Military College (RMC). Two other Afghan cadets will graduate from RMC in June 2020.

In his first official state visit of South Australia, His Excellency Ambassador Wahidullah Waissi, called on His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, Governor of South Australia in his Governoment House in Adelaide on 9 December 2019.

Ambassador Waissi has discussed about current status of bilateral relations between Afghanistan and Australia and the activities the embassy has managed in 2019 marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between both countries. 

The Governor of South Australia discussed about history of Afghans in Australia from multiculturalism and business points of view. For the first time, Afghans have stepped in South Australia as a camel drivers in around 1860. The new waves of migration have happened in late 70s and post 9/11 to Australia. 

Both sides discussed enhancing bilateral relations, people to people contact, business and cultrual activies in future relations. 

Transcript of Ambassador Wahidullah Waissi's speech at the nationwide Association of Australian Tertiary Students from Afghanistan (AATSA) conference held on Saturday, 7th of December at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide.

Distinguished participants,
Fellow members of the Afghan community,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure indeed to join you all in this momentous community-led gathering to share some foods for thoughts with regards to issues affecting Afghan-Australians and discuss solutions.

I thank the organizers for putting together such a meaningful theme and relevant topis for this year’s conference. I also wish to commend AATSA`s outstanding contribution in promoting education and critical thinking among Afghan- origin Australian communities.

Dear joint friends of Australia and Afghanistan,

We are in the last month of 50th year of Afghanistan and Australia bilateral relations. Before to give few remarks on the main issues of our discussion today, it will be good to refresh our minds in recalling the important milestones in the history of bilateral relations between the two countries. I do not want to further comment about the first milestone, the Afghan cameleers who migrated to Australia, because you know this background quite better than me. Rather, I would like to reflect on the most recent milestone, which was the first state visit of an Afghan Head of State to Australia, President Ghani`s visit in April 2017, just one month after I presented my credentials to Government of Commonwealth of Australia. 

Since then, the healthy and growing relations between the two countries fine- tuned from security and defence- centred cooperation to more development, education and cultural cooperation as well as people to people engagements. 

Initiation of Afghan-Australian People to People dialogue, the first Afghan higher education delegation`s visit to Australia, signing of development cooperation framework and establishment of Australia-Afghanistan Parliamentary Friendship group were among the core elements of that milestone. Arguably, both countries are now enjoying a closest and ever strongest bonds in the history of our bilateral relationship. 

Ladies and gentlemen, 

While we showcase and are proud of our strengths, we must also acknowledge the shortcomings and realities on the ground and within fellow Afghan-Australian communities in order to explore solutions and jointly make efforts to tackle the challenges we are facing.

Let me start from the issue of resettlement and integration. Within the context of state responsibility as well as migration policy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, defending the rights of Afghan migrants abroad as well as ensuring their voluntary, safe and dignified return to their homeland are the integral parts of my Government`s commitments. 

In this essence, while we are generally like-minded and have common understandings with the host countries, including Australia regarding legal migration, we cannot let illegal migration to harm and undermine other crucial spheres of our bilateral relationship. Overall, migration, resettlement and integration are common global issues which are very much interlinked with insecurity, poverty, democratic challenges in one hand and intolerance, lack of human resources and capacities within the communities involved on the other hand. 

We must acknowledge and invest on the positive side of the migration and eventuate the mutually beneficial bonds which exists as a result of Afghan diaspora`s settlement in Australia over the past decades who continue to contribute to the economy, business, cultural diversity and public services sectors across Australia. We must avail the multicultural society of Australia for the benefits of our communities where rule of law, democracy and freedom of expression including religious believes are respected. No religious extremist, nor any white supremacist can harm the cross-cultural understating and mutual respects and tolerance between our communities. We must promote people to people dialogue and understandings and education to tackle cultural and linguistic barriers during resettlement and integration processes provided that our Afghan values be preserved.

Secondly, the issue of increasing mental health problem among our Afghan refugees is an issue of major concern to all of us. The saddened death of late Sayed Mirwais Rohani, an Afghan migrant who apparently died as a result of suicide attempt in Brisbane on 15 October was a tragic example as such. We urged Australian Government to follow up the issue with the relevant law enforcing agencies for a full investigation of the case to avoid similar unexpected incidents in the future. In this respect, despite the repeal of the “Medevac” legislation in the Australian Parliament last Wednesday, we do hope that the Government of Australia to continue utilising pre-existing legislative processes to enable Afghans under immigration detention centres who are in need of urgent medical treatments. 

Thirdly, with regards to helping back home, I strongly believe that there is a huge potential in our dynamic, educated and decent Afghan diaspora to contribute and be the drivers for change in their home country in many areas including to assist the most vulnerable and at risks populations, in particular women and girls in rural areas, families of martyrs and veterans of the Afghan defense and security forces. 

Nowadays, remittances are a major source of national incomes in many developing countries. For example, in 2018-19, Bangladesh received record of $16.42 billion in remittance with a 9.6 percent growth. With the new remittance, Bangladesh Bank's foreign currency reserves stood at $31.85 billion. By better regulating, channelizing and distribution of remittances we can make positive changes in Gross National products (GNPs) in our own country. 

We can further explore possible solutions to most of the challenges which are hindering our communities to prosper in Australia, but I would like to emphasis more on investing in tertiary education, especially in most needed sectors at home such as civil engineering, mining, agriculture, water recourse management and health. Let us be optimistic and always stand ready for the post peace settlement in Afghanistan.

I conclude my remarks with a long- lasting aspiration of all Afghans wherever they are for a sustainable and enduring peace in Afghanistan. I quote a single poet of Maulana Jalaluddin Mohammad Balkhi – Rumi: “Everyone who is left far from his source, wishes back the time when he was united with it."

هرکسی کو دور ماند از اصل خویش – باز جوید روزگار وصل خویش

Thank you.

On the bright and clear morning of Wednesday December 4^th, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, members of the diplomatic corps, DFAT and the Afghan community and friends of Afghanistan gathered at the Nara Peace Park to share their well-wishes for Afghanistan’s future. 

The ringing of the Canberra Rotary Peace Bell symbolised a fitting conclusion to this year’s many events, which celebrated the 50^th Anniversary of Afghan-Australian diplomatic relations and the 100^th Anniversary of Afghanistan’s reclamation of independence. It has been a busy year at the Embassy of Afghanistan in Canberra and coming together with our friends to ring the Peace Bell reaffirmed the messages of support, goodwill and prosperity for the future. It also showcased solidarity with the people of Afghanistan, who have been affected by conflict for over 40 years and are now beginning to look forward to a future of enduring and lasting peace. 

This has been a shared mission with our Australian colleagues, who in many shapes and forms and in a wide range of capacities, have shown their dedication to supporting a resolution to Afghanistan’s troubles and to structure meaningful peace negotiations. Each ring of the Peace Bell commemorated the sacrifices and dreams of Australian and Afghan people; their civilians, their military personnel, their students, their teachers, and their children.

We now look forward to moving into the next 50 years of this robust relationship, where the two countries can come together to overcome the forces of extremism that stand in the way of peace. The Embassy of Afghanistan also wishes to take this opportunity to thank all of our friends and supporters who have attended this year’s events and joined with us to celebrate all that 2019 represents for Afghanistan and Australia.

Ringing the Canberra Rotary Peace Bell

It has been more than four decades since Afghanistan has lost peace. Afghans deserve peace. Australia, like many other nations, is a strong supporter of resolving the current conflict through peace negotiations to ensure endurable and long-lasting peace in Afghanistan

After the 9/11 terror attacks, Australia as a non-NATO ally, significantly contributed in fighting against international terrorism in Afghanistan – joining the international community led by the United States and NATO allied countries. 

The diplomatic relations between Australia and Afghanistan was established 50 years ago in 1969. During the past 18 years, Australia has been a great partner in both security and development sectors of Afghanistan. The contribution of Australia in fighting insurgency, training, advising and assisting Afghan security forces as well as effective development assistance has been exemplary. Arguably, now, the relationship between the two friendly nations is the strongest ever exercised before, and it is still growing. 

Given the excellent and ever-growing relations between Australia and Afghanistan, the Embassy of I.R. of Afghanistan, along with its friends, gather at the Canberra Nara Peace Park to mark the end of a successful year, celebrating the 50^thanniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and demonstrating solidarity in overcoming international terrorism and establishing a sustainable peace in Afghanistan by a special event of ringing the Canberra Rotary Peace Bell. 

Join us in this exciting event and signify your will for an excellent Australia-Afghanistan relations and peaceful Afghanistan. 

First Afghan Film Festival: post-event report

Between the 15^th and 21^st of November, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Canberra hosted the First Afghan Film Festival in Canberra, in collaboration with the ANU Film Group. The Festival was held at the ANU Kambri Cultural Centre, and attracted guests from around Canberra, the ANU community, government and the diplomatic corps, as well as those members of the Afghan community who travelled from Melbourne and Sydney to attend the screenings. 

The Festival was opened on Friday 15^th November by H. E. Wahidullah Waissi, Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, and Mr Ian Biggs, Acting First Secretary of DFAT South and West Asia Division. In their official addresses, Ambassador Waissi and Mr Biggs spoke of the strength of the Australian-Afghan relationship and its growth in the area of people-to-people links. Both praised the resilience of Afghan cinema, particularly in its ability to shed new light on the flourishing cultural dimension of the Afghan-Australian relationship, now in its 50^th year, and reaffirmed the commitments of both countries to a future of stability, security and ongoing cooperation.

This inaugural festival was a part of a series of celebrations and events throughout the year 2019, which marks the 50^th Anniversary of Afghan-Australian relations and the 100^th Anniversary of Afghanistan’s Reclamation of Independence. As part of this, the screenings showcased the growing cultural dimension and people-to-people links between Australia and Afghanistan, and the contributions which both countries have made to the arts, security and social movements, amongst others. 

The Festival was, importantly, a celebration of the resilience of Afghan cinema and its role in conveying powerful and diverse messages across the globe. This has been made possible by the brave women and men who work as directors, producers, documentary-makers, actors – and more, across the spectrum of film and documentary production. It is these talented individuals who make the First Afghan Film Festival possible, each with their own unique insight into life in Afghanistan. 

Several of these individuals travelled to Canberra from across Australia and Kabul to attend the Festival, giving attendees a rare opportunity to meet with and speak face-to-face with the talent behind the films and documentaries they saw. These included Salam Sangi, celebrated Afghan film star; Fahim Hashimy, the founder of the Ghan International Film Festival and documentary-maker on the history of Afghans in Australia; and Parwiz Shamal, Kabul-based reporter for Afghanistan’s biggest new corporation TOLO TV. The Festival also welcomed guest speakers including Fred Smith, Australian diplomat and singer/songwriter, and showed exclusive video interviews, including that with Sahraa Karimi – director of Hava, Maryam, Ayesha, which screened on the opening night. 

This added a rich dimension to the First Afghan Film Festival, and each director, actor and documentary-maker answered questions posed by the audience and spoke in detail about the themes of their work. It also gave an opportunity for guests to learn more about such topics as the status of women in Afghanistan and the work done by women’s organisations, about the Afghan film industry throughout history, and about the history of Australia’s Afghan cameleers. 

The range of 6 full-length feature films, many of which have been screened at international film festival and have won prestigious awards, and 4 short films and documentaries each touched on a different aspect of life in Afghanistan and the challenges and triumphs of its people. The 6 films which were screened were Hava, Maryam and Ayesha, Osama, The Orphanage, A Letter to the President, The Patience Stone and Jirga. Begana was the Festival’s selection in the short film category, and What I Saw on the Roof of the World, Cameleers and RocKabul were the documentary entries. 

These spanned several decades of Afghanistan’s political, social and cinematic history; reached across different provinces – from Kabul, to the farthest reaches of the Afghan territory in Badakhshan, to the villages of Kandahar; showed the plight of men, women and children, young and old, Afghan and non-Afghan alike. The films ranged in focus from Afghanistan’s music scene, to the experiences of Australian troops who served there, to the lives of those Afghans who travelled thousands of kilometres to make Australia their home – these, amongst others, truly exemplifies cinema’s role in acting as a tool for the wider outreach of important messages 

The selection of films and documentaries focused on different themes – and when combined with the question-and-answer sessions and guest speakers – created a unique learning experience for attendees of the Festival. There was a positive turn out for all screenings, with an active and engaged audience, and comments and reception from guests and media which covered the event particularly praised the diversity of the selection and the brave themes they covered. In particular, guests applauded the First Afghan Film Festival for leaving its guests with a new understanding and appreciation of Afghanistan. 

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan wishes to extend its sincere thanks to the volunteers of the ANU Film Group, who provided invaluable advice, support and technological expertise which enabled the Festival to go ahead. 

Dignitaries, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Members of the Diplomatic Corps, 

Representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade,

Good evening.

I extend my sincere thanks to all of you who have gathered here tonight to witness a truly historical event. Tonight marks the Opening Night of the First Afghan Film Festival held in Canberra. The Embassy is proud to present the Festival in collaboration with our friends at the ANU Film Group and our sponsors, Mr Mustafa Alande Safi and Mr Basir Abbas.

As I have mentioned, this will be the first Afghan Film Festival hosted in Canberra, and a fitting end to what has been a busy year at the Embassy of Afghanistan. 2019 marks the 50^th Anniversary of Afghan-Australian diplomatic relations and the 100^th Anniversary of Afghanistan’s Reclamation of Independence, and this Film Festival aims to commemorate both of these significant milestones. I have been humbled by the support that has been shown throughout this year, by all those of you who have regularly attended our events and celebrated alongside us. 

The week-long Festival we are opening tonight promises an exciting line-up of full-length feature films, short films, and documentaries, both classic and contemporary. The Festival boasts 10 exciting screenings; showcasing the breadth of Afghanistan’s filmmaking, directing and acting talent. From nostalgic classics and historical narratives, to Afghanistan’s unrivalled natural landscape, to contemporary films highlighting today’s social issues – this selection of 7 full-length feature films and 3 documentaries and short films offers a unique glimpse at what Afghan cinema is about, and the women and men who drive it.

There will be stimulating panel discussions with academics and filmmakers, and a chance to hear directly from the directors and actors of these brilliant movies – including those who have travelled from all around Australia and from Afghanistan to join us. 

I hope that this will all shed new light on the flourishing cultural dimension of Afghanistan and Australia’s friendly relationship and applauds the contributions of the people of both countries to the arts, sport, security and stability, and social movements. I assure you that the screenings you will be treated to reflect this exciting diversity; each of them a rare and unforgettable insight into Afghanistan’s unique landscape, people and history.

The first AFF is a celebration of the history of Afghan cinema and the talents of the country’s new generation of directors and filmmakers. These brave women and men, with 3 female directed-films in this year’s inaugural festival, draw from diverse backgrounds and exemplify cinema’s role in conveying different narratives and acting as a tool for the wider outreach of these messages. Most importantly, this year’s inaugural AFF is a testimony to the resilience of Afghan people and their dedication to telling the stories of their country. 

I invite you to join in celebrating the survival of Afghan cinema, and its triumph over the forces of extremism, which had once attempted to silence it. 

Chair’s Statement, 2019 ‘No Money for Terror’ Ministerial Conference on Counter-Terrorism Financing

More than 65 delegations including 23 Ministers, representatives from 15 international bodies including the United Nations, Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and FATF-Style Regional Bodies, as well as representatives from 28 private sector and not-for-profit organisations met in Melbourne, Australia, on 7–8 November 2019 for the ‘No Money for Terror’ Ministerial Conference on Counter-Terrorism Financing. The 2019 Conference built on the important work of the inaugural ‘No Money for Terror’ Ministerial Conference in 2018, hosted by France, and its Paris Agenda.

The 2019 Conference assessed the evolving global and Indo-Pacific threat environment; built understanding of the key terrorism financing risks, trends and methods; and highlighted best practice from across the globe, between regions and across the public and private sector.

Consistent with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2462 (2019) and the global standards set by the FATF, participants agreed to promote international and regional cooperation and improve capacity to combat the financing of terrorism.

In their discussions, participants addressed and reinforced their commitment to the five key themes of the Conference as follows:

1. The evolving terrorist threat

• • Noted that the evolving and significant threat posed by terrorism is global in nature, and the agility and adaptability of terrorists and terrorist organisations to take advantage of emerging situations and weaknesses in counter-terrorism frameworks.
  • Recognised that terrorist organisations rely on funding to sustain their activities and disrupting and preventing financial flows to terrorist is one of the most effective ways to fight terrorism.
  • Recognised that despite the territorial defeat of Daesh (ISIL) in Syria and Iraq, its capacity, including hundreds of millions of dollars generated over that time, to radicalise, recruit and carry violent acts remains a significant threat.
  • Recognised that strategies to counter the evolving terrorist threat need to be holistic and based on mutual cooperation between governments, the private sector and civil society.

2. Global responses to kidnap for ransom and terrorism financing

• • Noted that the transnational nature of terrorism and its financing requires a strong and coordinated global response supported by the work of multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the FATF, and underpinned by regional and bilateral partnerships.
  • Recognised that hostage-taking by terrorists to raise funds is a significant source of income for terrorist groups that supports their recruitment and operational capability, and is an incentive for groups to undertake further kidnappings for increased ransoms.
  • Considered international approaches to addressing hostage-taking and underlined the need for information sharing and international cooperation to break the terrorists’ business model.
  • Reaffirmed support for international efforts to prevent terrorist and violent extremist exploitation of the Internet, including through the Christchurch Call to Action.
  • Agreed to seek further opportunities to provide mutual support to address terrorism financing, including through exchange of information and intelligence, and capability building

3. Emerging technologies and terrorism financing risks

• • Noted the positive opportunities for developing countries offered by emerging financial technologies, such as financial inclusion and access to markets.
  • Noted that the opportunities brought by technology may also appeal to terrorists seeking platforms for propaganda, recruitment and raising funds to support malicious activities.
  • Acknowledged the importance of engagement between governments and the private sector to build a shared responsibility to safeguard against abuse by terrorists.
  • Recognised the need to identify emerging risks from new technology platforms and implement effective mitigation measures before widespread use by terrorist actors.
  • Reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the FATF standards and other international requirements in relation to new technologies and virtual assets.

4. Enhancing public-private partnerships to fight terrorism financing

• • Recognised the critical role played by the private sector to detect and prevent misuse of financial systems by terrorists.
  • Highlighted the opportunities offered by partnerships between government and the private sector to share and harness existing information and resources to develop strategies combating terrorism financing and other financial crimes.

5. Preventing the exploitation of not-for-profit organisations for terrorism purposes

• • Recognised the important role of not-for-profit organisations in providing activities and services that aim to improve the lives of individuals and societies.
  • Noted that terrorist organisations seek the same logistical capabilities as not-for-profit organisations, which makes them potentially vulnerable to abuse by terrorists and terrorist networks.
  • Discussed strategies for strengthening not-for-profit sectors against abuse by terrorists, including through conducting regional and national risk assessments, education and outreach.

Participants warmly welcomed the offer of India to host the next No Money for Terror conference in 2020 and to continue this important work combating terrorism financing.

Source: Government of Australia. Home Affairs, https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/…/ministerial-conference-sta…

On Sunday the 20th of October the Embassy of the I. R. of Afghanistan welcomed guests and visitors into the Embassy. The Open Day was part of the Windows to the World program; an initiative of the ACT Government to engage participating embassies and high commissions and provide a unique insight to these iconic buildings. 2019 marked the Embassy of Afghanistan’s first time participating in Windows to the World, together with more than 25 other embassies around Canberra. 

The event was a great success and saw over 800 visitors, who were able to enjoy a wide range of activities and gain perspective on Afghanistan’s rich cultural heritage. There was live traditional music throughout the day, dry fruits and saffron tea for sampling, delicious traditional food for sale and a range of jewellery, carpets, and clothing on display. There was also an exhibition celebrating 50 years of Afghan-Australia diplomatic relations, alongside traditional artwork and paintings. Guests were also treated to kite-flying and could have their names written in Persian calligraphy, try on samples of national dress and have their photos taken. 

The Embassy wishes to extend its thanks to all volunteers and participants from the Afghan community in Sydney and Canberra for their generous assistance in making the Open Day a success and providing their talents and skills, and to all those visitors who came along to enjoy some of what Afghanistan has to offer. The Embassy looks forward to returning to the Windows to the World program in the future.