Australia's Chief of the Defence Force Angus Campbell has stressed the need to find a political solution to the long-running war in Afghanistan.
General Campbell has told European officials that Australia and its allies remain focused on lifting the capability and confidence of Afghan defence and security forces who are fighting the Taliban.
"But it's a challenge in terms of the campaign because the level of capability achieved and the level presented, albeit modest, by the Taliban creates at the moment an uneasy stalemate to a degree from a terror link," he told an international policy institute in Brussels.
"The campaign needs to find a political path way. Military activity in any campaign in any circumstance is a supporting effect to a political solution."
General Campbell likened the ongoing battle in Afghanistan to World War II, where there was a concerted effort to crush German and Japanese forces, before a political deal ensured lasting peace.
"In Afghanistan, similarly this is a war which is increasingly led, delivered and conducted by Afghan forces," he said.
"But against an adversary that has a degree of sanctuary in neighbouring countries and has demonstrated the capacity to reform, recreate and rebuild."
General Campbell wished Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special envoy on Afghanistan, every success in reaching a peace deal to end the 17-year war with the Taliban.
Australia has about 300 Navy, Army and Air Force members deployed in Afghanistan who are primarily focused on a NATO-led effort to train, advise and assist Afghan soldiers.
Late last year, US President Donald Trump sensationally announced plans to dramatically reduce the number of American forces in Afghanistan, signalling a major shift in foreign policy.
Australian Associated Press
