MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Smith
At the United Nations in New York today I met with Afghanistan Foreign Minister Rangin
Spanta.
Minister Spanta and I discussed the Australian Government's commitment to help rebuild the nation of Afghanistan.
Through our military deployment and development assistance, the Australian Government continues to address humanitarian needs, particularly with land mine action programs and with food assistance through the World Food Programme (WFP).
Today I advised Mr Spanta that Australia will provide $12 million to the WFP to assist in Afghanistan's worsening food crisis.
Five million Afghans are facing serious food shortages due to high food prices, crop failure and worsening drought.
The contribution has been made in response to an urgent joint appeal by the United Nations and the Government of Afghanistan to shore up food supplies, particularly in remote communities, before winter sets in.
Australia's assistance will significantly boost efforts to reach these communities across Afghanistan, with priority given to Oruzgan province, where Australian efforts are focused.
This $12 million contribution is in addition to $10 million Australia has already provided to the WFP for Afghanistan this year.
Last year Afghanistan was close to being self-sufficient in meeting its domestic food needs, but the adverse impact of the global rise in food prices, poor harvests and drought means that only two-thirds of total requirements can be met this year. This is having a devastating effect on the most vulnerable.