On 25 August 2020, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Canberra organized a friendly reception at the Hayat Hotel in Canberra for few members of the Australia-Afghanistan Parliamentary Friendship Group, namely Mr Andrew Wallace MP and Chair of the Group, Mr Julian Hill MP and Vice Chair of the Group, Ms Angie Bell MP, Mr Josh Wilson MP, Mr Tony Zappia MP, Mr Luke Gosling OAM MP and Senator Louise Pratt.

HE Wahidullah Waissi, Ambassador of Afghanistan to Australia and non-resident Ambassador to New Zealand and Fiji, welcomed the MPs and Senator Pratt to the event and appreciated their engagement, dedication and continued support in bilateral relationship and backing the Afghan Government’s ongoing efforts towards lasting peace, stability and democratic governance.

Mr Andrew Wallace, on behalf of the group, thanked the Embassy of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for the warm hospitality extended to the members of the group who made it to attend and reiterated the strong support and enthusiasm of all members of the group for enduring partnership between Australia and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on various fields.

The participants deliberated on a range of topics of mutual interests including the Afghan peace process, the impacts of COVID-19 on Afghan society and economy, future of Australian assistance and engagement with Afghanistan and people to people bonds between two friendly countries.

The Australia-Afghanistan Parliamentary Friendship Group was inaugurated on 6 December 2017 at Australian Parliament House. It comprises of 24 members from both chambers and major parties. The member list of the Australia-Afghanistan Parliamentary Friendship Group (AAPFG) is the following:

Mr Andrew WALLACE MP (CHAIR), LNP

Mr Julian HILL MP (VICE-CHAIR), ALP

Hon Kevin ANDREWS MP, LP

Ms Angie BELL MP, LNP

Sen Andrew BRAGG MP, LP

Hon Anthony BYRNE MP, ALP

Mr Vince CONNELLY MP, LP

Mr Milton DICK MP, ALP

The Hon Joel FITZGIBBON MP, ALP

Mr Steve GEORGANAS MP, ALP

Mr Patrick GORMAN MP, ALP

Mr Luke GOSLING OAM, MP, ALP

Sen Hollie HUGHES MP, LP

Mr Matt KEOGH MP, ALP

Sen Kimberley KITCHING MP, ALP

Hon Nola MARINO MP, LP

The Hon Brendan O’CONNOR MP, ALP

Ms Julie OWENS MP, ALP

Mr Graham PERRETT MP, ALP

The Hon Amanda RISHWORTH MP, ALP

The Hon Warren SNOWDON MP, ALP

Ms Maria VAMVAKINOU MP, ALP

Sen David VAN MP, LNP

Mr Josh WILSON MP, ALP