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Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has arrived back in Australia after visiting Australian troops in the Middle East region.
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While on the trip, Minister Reynolds also met with senior military leaders from Afghanistan, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates.
"I underscored Australia’s contribution to Afghanistan’s long-term security and development, and reaffirmed Australia’s support for Afghanistan’s peace process and for the planned 28 September presidential elections," Minister Reynolds said.
"It was a privilege to spend time with Australian troops deployed under Operation Highroad in Afghanistan, and to thank them for their service."
Minister Reynolds met with Major General Najah Hassan Ali Al-Shammari, the Iraqi Minister for Defence, and Mohammed al-Halbousi, Speaker of the Council of Representatives in Iraq, and used the opportunity to discuss Australia’s efforts to support Iraq in defeating Daesh and assisting with the nation’s recovery.
The Defence Minister also spoke with troops from combined Australia-New Zealand Task Group Taji and Special Operations Task Group 632, and commended them for their efforts in training more than 44,000 members of the Iraqi Security Forces.
Finally, she met with senior military leaders in the United Arab Emirates to reaffirm the friendship it has with Australia.
"Australia and the United Arab Emirates share common interests and co-operate on security challenges, including our commitment to international efforts to counter Daesh," Minister Reynolds said.
