Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd has wrapped up a three-day visit to Afghanistan, where he says there are clear signs of progress.
He thanked Australian soldiers and the civilian contingent, praising them for their "impressive" resilience over what has been a particularly tough few months.
"What is encouraging, however, is the clear evidence of progress being made in our mission," Mr Rudd said in a statement on Saturday.
"Areas long under insurgent control have been cleared of the Taliban.
"Key roads between districts in Uruzgan, closed for many years, are now open."
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
But he stressed the coming fighting season will put defence forces under pressure.
Mr Rudd also met with Afghan President Harmid Karzai and International Security Assistance Force commander General David Petraeus during his visit, and discussed the transition to Afghan-led security by the end of 2014.
The process for transition begins this year.
