The commander of Australian forces in Afghanistan says a decision will be made later this year on the Australia's future military footprint in the war-torn nation.
Brigadier Cheryl Pearce, the commander of Task Group Afghanistan, said on Monday that building security is her chief priority.
Afghanistan is Australia's longest war, with 43 military personnel having been lost since 2001.
Brigadier Pearce said Australia was committed to achieving long-term security for Afghanistan.
"We're committed financially for years 2015, 2016 and 2017 and the government will make a decision this year on what our footprint is militarily post 2016," Brigadier Pearce told reporters at Hamad Karzai International Airport.
"Australia's committed with the international community to the long-term security of Afghanistan to ensure that it doesn't once again become a safe haven for terrorists."
Australia no longer has a combat role in Afghanistan, with the focus now on training and advising Afghan forces.
There are about 270 Australians deployed in Afghanistan.
"Improving security is our number one priority to ensure that the Afghan people and the government of Afghanistan can have a future that's free of terrorism, free of insurgents and to live in a safe and secure environment," Brigadier Pearce said.
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