Australia’s commitments to security in the Middle East

In keeping with our strong Alliance relationship, the Australian Government is consulting closely with the US Administration on the implementation of its recent announcement on Syria, and its long-term plans in Afghanistan. Australia has been among the most steadfast of US security partners in Afghanistan and the Middle East.

Australia's serving men and women continue to play an important role in the security and development of both Iraq and Afghanistan, including training troops to make their communities safer.

Since 2001, the purpose of Australia's mission in Afghanistan has been to support the Afghan Government to help contain the threat from international terrorism.

Both the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan and the Global Coalition to Counter Daesh in Iraq and Syria continue to deny terrorist organisations safe havens in which to plan and export terror attacks across the globe, including to the Indo-Pacific. We cannot be complacent about this threat, including the threat of resurgence by Daesh.

With our international partners including the United States and NATO, Australia will continue to provide security, humanitarian and development assistance in the region.

Australia last month reiterated its ongoing commitment to support Afghanistan's transition to stability and self-reliance, and welcomes recent progress towards a political settlement. Like our coalition partners, Australia recognises there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan.

Australia also continues to contribute to the Global Coalition to Counter Daesh, which has made substantial and sustained progress to degrade and defeat Daesh in Syria and Iraq. Since 2011, we have committed $433 million in humanitarian assistance to Syrians displaced by the conflict.