Afghan president Hamid Karzai during his visit in United States signed a long term strategic pact with the Australian Prime Julia Gillard.

Afghan presidential palace following a statement on Monday announced the two leaders appeared in a press conference after signing the strategic pact. President Karzai praised Australia’s contribution in the reconstruction of Afghanistan. 

This comes as Afghanistan signed long term strategic pacts with India, Italy, France, United Kingdom, United States and Germany during the recent months. 

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said, we will not abandon Afghanistan and the two nations will continue to work together by singing the long term strategic cooperation agreement.

She said Australia remains committed to assist Afghan people in economic, public health and education sectors.

Australia remains one of the main contributors to fund the Afghan security forces beyond 2014. The country announced to pay $300,000 for a period of 3 years besides providing training services to Afghan national police and Afghan national army.