Australian Embassy in Kabul will be closed due to “security conditions”.

Australia will close its embassy in the Afghan capital of Kabul.

The state department has announced that the Australian embassy will be temporarily closed due to “security concerns”.
A State Department statement issued on Tuesday (June 4th) said it was aware of the Australian government’s decision, but hoped it would be temporary and would be reconsidered.

In light of the imminent international military withdrawal from Afghanistan, Australia will, as an interim measure revert to the model of visiting accreditation for our diplomatic representation to Afghanistan, which we used from the opening of diplomatic relations in 1969 until 2006,” the pair said in a joint statement.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has emphasized that the Government of Afghanistan has a duty to ensure the security of political representation and the immunity of foreign diplomatic personnel, and they appreciate Australia’s renewed commitment to continue assisting Afghanistan.

Alongside, State Department statement described the continuation of strategic cooperation between the two countries in the fight against terrorism, the establishment of peace and stability in Afghanistan as important.

The Australian government’s decision comes as foreign troops leave Afghanistan.

United States has already reduced the number of embassy staff in Kabul.