The release of Australian Tim Weeks and his US colleague Kevin King from their kidnappers in Afghanistan is a great relief.
We join the Australian Government in expressing our deep gratitude to the US and Afghan governments for their vital contribution towards this positive outcome and we appreciate the efforts of Australian agencies to secure his release and to support his safe return.
We have been in regular contact with the Foreign Ministers office and received updates on this case.
We share the hope that this release will build positive momentum for meaningful dialogue and a durable peace in Afghanistan.
Authorised by Paul Erickson, ALP, Canberra.