Aust to keep watch on Afghan situation

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop remains concerned about the security situation in Afghanistan as NATO formally ends its 13 year combat mission.

Julie Bishop remains concerned about the situation in Afghanistan as NATO ends its 13 year mission. (AAP)

Australia will closely monitor the security situation in Afghanistan as NATO formally ends its 13 year combat mission.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has expressed concerns about ongoing unrest.

"In this part of the world there is a great deal of turmoil and volatility and so of course I remain concerned about the situation in Afghanistan," she told ABC TV on Monday.

"We have seen some appalling incidents in recent times."

On January 1, the US-led International Security Assistance Force combat mission, which has suffered 3485 military deaths since 2001, will be replaced by a NATO "training and support" mission.

Overnight, a ceremony was held in Kabul to officially end 13 years of fighting against the Taliban.

Australia will continue providing training to Afghan defence forces.

There are 400 Australian troops still in Afghanistan.