Visit to Kandahar; Meeting with the President of Afghanistan; Opening of the Australian Embassy in Kabul

On Thursday 23 October 2014, at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, the Governor-General, as guest of the Commander of Joint Task Force 633, Major General Craig Orme AM CSC, and the Local Commander, Brigadier General Douglas Gabram (US Army), met with Australian mentors from the Australian-led Afghan National Army 205th Hero Corps Coalition Advisory Team, Force Protection Element - Two and members of the Logistics Extraction Team based at Camp Baker.

Afterwards, at Kabul International Airport, the Governor-General met with the Australian Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, His Excellency Mr John Philp and Senior Australian Defence Force Officer in Afghanistan, Major General David Mulhall AM CSC.

Later, the Governor-General attended a barbecue with Australian personnel working at Camp Grant.

Then, at ANZAC Cove, Headquarters International Security Assistance Force (HQ ISAF), the Governor-General met with Australian Defence Force personnel.

Afterwards, at the Presidential Palace, the Governor-General met with the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, His Excellency Dr Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai.

Later, at the Australian Embassy, Kabul, the Governor-General, as guest of the Australian Ambassador, attended a ceremony to open the new embassy building.

Then, the Governor-General met with Australian representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Intelligence organisations; key recipients and delivery partners of the aid program; and Australian Awards Alumni.