Speech by H.E Nasir Andisha on the occasion of the 93th Independence day Anniversary and the 10th Anniversaryof Afghanistan- Australia diplomatic relations
Old Parliament, King's Hall- Canberra
11th Sept 2012
Honorable Joel Fitzgibbon, MP. Chief Government Whip
My colleagues from the diplomatic corps in Canberra, Fellow Afghan compatriots, distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen: Good evening
I welcome you all and thank you for sparing your precious time to honor us and attend the commemoration of the 93rd Anniversary of Afghanistan's independence and the 10th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and Australia.
Afghanistan's Independence Day marks a significant point in the Afghan history; a moment that reflects the strength, sacrifices and determination of our people. Throughout Afghanistan's history our people have made sacrifices for freedom and independence not only for their country, but for humanity as a whole. We stood at the front line of fight against communism whose defeat in Afghanistan marked its demise. And today once again we Afghans are at the fore front of war against terrorism and violent extremism.
It was exactly 11 years ago, when Al-Qaida and its terrorist network attacked the United States and killed more than three thousand innocent people in one day. Many years before 9/11, the same network and their supporters in the region took my country and its people hostage and deprived them of basic human needs and rights. Together and with a great support of a wider international community, we drove the Taliban regime and its Al Qaida backers and their dark forces of terror and destruction from Afghanistan and prevented any major attack of 9/11 scale around the world.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today we also proudly celebrate the 10th anniversary of Afghanistan –Australia residence diplomatic relations. A mature and solid relationship based on common interest and mutual respect. A relationship taller and stronger than its age.
Though our diplomatic relations is only a decade old, Afghans are no strangers in Australia. Our connection dates back to more than 150 years… when the first Afghans along with their camels came to Australia to help develop the communication networks and the Australian outback. The Afghan cameleers were instrumental and played a crucial role in the success of some of the Australia's most ambitious infrastructure projects at the time, such as the overland Telegraph and the rail link between Port Augusta and Alice Springs, came to be known as the 'Afghan Express', and later 'The Ghan'. Today the Ghan's emblem is an Afghan on a camel in recognition of their efforts in opening up the inhospitable interior to the rest of Australia.
In the 1960 and 70, many Australian tourist, particularly the 'Hippie Trail' voyagers visited Afghanistan and often passed through the Afghan cities of Herat, Bamyan and Kabul. We still meet a number of Australians who speak passionately about their remarkable experiences of visiting Afghanistan in its 'good old days'. Since the late 70's Australia became home to thousands of Afghan refugees who were forced to flee their homeland following the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in 1979. Australia offered moral and material support to the rightful resistance of the Afghan people against the Soviet occupation in the 1980's. And once again in the late 2001, Australia joined the International Coalition to help free Afghanistan from the menace of terrorism and Al-Qaeda.
Let me also thank the people and government of Australia for their firm commitment and cooperation throughout the decade, especially in Chicago and Tokyo conference this year,Australia's support and commitments has and will continue to play a profound role in consolidating security and the rule of law and economic development in Afghanistan. I would also like to acknowledge the dedication and sacrifice of the countless brave young men and women who left the comfort of family and friends in Australia and decided to extend their helping hand to their fellow human beings over eleven thousand kilometers away. As a result, their humanitarian zeal has raised the standards of living of all Afghans, by improving access to health and primary education, access to clean water and electricity, the development of infrastructure, training of our national security forces and finally building the capacity of our administrative personnel.
Sadly the above came with prices attached, not just in monetary sense but also in terms of human loss. As our close ally, Australia has lost 36 diggers in Afghanistan so far, including the latest fatality which claimed the life 3 of three soldiers. We highly appreciate the devotion and the service of these heroes. The sacrifices of Australian Women and Men shoulder to shoulder with the Afghan National Security Forces in Uruzgan and other parts of Afghanistan reflect on Australian value of 'Mate-ship' and 'fair-go' through their exemplifying bravery in action, devotion to service and love for fellow human beings. These shared scarifies also deepens and strengthens the bond of friendship and solidarity between the Afghan and the Australian people.
Last year Prime Minister Gillard visited Afghanistan and reiterated Australia's strong commitment and ongoing support to stability and development in Afghanistan.
Also, former Prime Minister and later Foreign Minister Mr Kevin Rudd ( a good friend of Afghanistan), Defense Minister Stephen Smith and many other high ranking Australian officials have visited Afghanistan several times where they personally witnessed the positive contributions that the Australian and Afghan security forces and development teams team are making in the lives of the Afghan people particularly in Uruzgan province.
Building on a decade of strong bilateral relations, President Karzai and Prime Minister Julia Gillard met in Chicago in May this year and singed a Comprehensive Partnership document in which we have recognized our shared interests in a secure, stable and democratic Afghanistan, able to defend itself against international terrorism, a partner in peace with its surrounding region, and a valued contributor to the broader community of nations.This comprehensive partnership paves the way for further cooperation between our countries in Political, Security, Development, Trade and investment, Migration and humanitarian affairs, Cultural and people-to-people links areas.
Honorable guests,
Once again I would like to take this opportunity to thank all for listening so patiently. And thank all my Afghan friends who helped us in organizing this event, especially for bringing beautiful Afghan carpets.
Thank you very much |
