The President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Mohammad Ashraf Ghani received the Prime Minister of Australia Malcolm Turnbull and a high-ranking delegation.

Both sides talked over the expansion of bilateral ties and Australian assistance with Afghanistan in a meeting in the Presidential Palace.

The Prime Minister of Australia expressed his condolences and sympathies to the President and people of Afghanistan over the latest terrorist attack on 209 Shaheen military corps.

Mr Turnbull said that he is interested in establishing relations between Australian and Afghan universities in order to encourage bilateral cooperation in the areas of mines, water management, project management, program management and health services.

President Ghani, in his turn, described Australia as a historical friend of Afghanistan. The President thanked Australia for its assistance and cooperation with Afghanistan in different areas.

Afghanistan and Australia have excellent and friendly relations. President Ghani recently visited Australia where agreements in the areas of technical and scientific cooperation were signed. Also, a MoU worth AUD 320 Mil was signed by both countries in accordance with commitments of Brussels Conference, during this visit.