Scott Morrison calls for increased international pressure on the Taliban to avoid a humanitarian disaster in Afghanistan as it is revealed more than 100,000 nationals have applied to resettle in Australia
- Prime Minister Scott Morrison attended virtual summit hosted by Italian PM
- He called on world leaders to maintain diplomatic pressure on the Taliban
- Fears for a humanitarian crisis after the controversial US withdrawal
- He said Afghanistan can’t become a safe haven for terrorists
- 100,000 Afghan nationals have sought humanitarian visas from Australia
Australia has urged countries to continue international support to Afghanistan citizens living under Taliban rule, following an overnight meeting of G20 leaders.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison attended the virtual summit hosted by the Italian prime minister.
Mr Morrison urged leaders to maintain international diplomatic pressure on the Taliban to live up to commitments it had made following its takeover of Afghanistan earlier this year.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison attended the virtual summit hosted by the Italian prime minister.
The leaders agreed to work together to avoid a humanitarian disaster in the country, with the European Union pledging more than one billion euros ($A1.57 billion) in aid packages.
A readout of the meeting said leaders were deeply concerned about the crisis unfolding in the country and emphasised continued humanitarian support.
‘They demand the Taliban allow unimpeded access for aid workers, uphold human rights especially for women and girls, that it allow those who want to leave to be able to do so,’ the readout said.
It was revealed earlier this week at a senate inquiry that 100,000 Afghan nationals have sought humanitarian visas from Australia, with 26,000 applications in just the last seven weeks.
Australia evacuated 4100 people from Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover in August.
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said leaders were deeply concerned about the crisis unfolding in Afghanistan
The G20 meeting also called on the Taliban to not allow Afghanistan to become a safe haven for terrorists.
‘Several (leaders) called for a unified stance, especially on messages to the Taliban, and a number noted that to get things done they had to deal with the Taliban but that this did not constitute recognition,’ the readout said.
Mr Morrison said ahead of the meeting that a co-ordinated approach from leaders was needed for Afghanistan.
‘I stand with G20 members in supporting international agencies delivering much needed humanitarian assistance on the ground,’ he said.
‘Australia is committed to helping Afghanistan build a stable and secure future.’