Brisbane, 19 August 2019 - The Queensland Afghan Community Association (QACA) in collaboration with the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Canberra celebrated 100thAnniversary of Afghanistan`s Reclamation of Independence and 50 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and Afghanistan in Brisbane on 19thAugust 2019.
The commemoration was attended by a large number of Afghan community members and some Australian local officials.
Dr Rashid Mohmood, QACA President welcomed the participants and thanked Australian government for hosting Afghan communities and for assisting the people of Afghanistan in various spheres, particularly in the area of empowering women and girls and people to people bonds.
Mr. Mostainbillah Balagh, Embassy counsellor conveyed the message of HE Wahidullah Waissi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Canberra, on the two aforementioned historic occasions.
In the message, preservation of Afghanistan’s freedom inherited by the Afghan brave ancestors, in particular the reformist King Amanullah who gained Afghanistan’s independence in 1919 were highlighted as the responsibility of all Afghans either inside or outside of the country. The message also reflected on the shared history, endurance and future potential of long- lasting friendship between Afghanistan and Australia.
Hon Stirling Hinchliffe MP, Minister for local Governance, Minister for Racing and Multicultural Affairs of Queensland who was the special guest in the festivity praised the friendly and diverse relations between Australia and Afghanistan from diplomatic engagements to development and defence cooperation, cultural ties and sport.
The marvellous evening gathering continued with various activities including music performance, poetry, Afghan traditional cuisine and lighting up the iconic Brisbane story bridge with the colors of the Afghan flag sponsored by the Brisbane City Council.
The festive event concluded with an award- giving ceremony being presented by the Embassy counsellor to key organizers of the event.