The Dutch Minister of Defence says he hopes to use his current visit to Australia to brief Howard Government ministers on preparations for a Dutch-led reconstruction mission to Afghanistan in August.
Australia will be sending 200 defence personnel to Afghanistan as part of the 1400-strong mission which is expected to remain in the country for two years.
The Netherlands Defence Minister Henk Kamp says he will be meeting the Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and the Defence Minister Brendan Nelson next week to discuss planning for the mission.
And Mr Kamp has told SBS Radio's Dutch program, Australia's contribution will be critical to assisting Afghanistan in its efforts to embrace democracy and combat terrorism.
He calls the co-operation between the Dutch armed forces and the Australian armed forces excellent.
From his point of view, fighting against the Taliban and Al Qaeda makes Afghanistan and the rest of the world a safer place.