President Ashraf Ghani is expected back in Kabul Friday after a successful week-long, three-nation Asia-Pacific tour that took in Australia, Indonesia and Singapore.

According to the presidential palace, Ghani met with high-ranking officials in the three countries as well as businessmen, religious scholars and officials from development agencies.

He signed a number of agreements in different areas – especially regarding the fight against terrorism, mining, water management and economic development.

“We (Afghanistan) have signed bilateral agreements with Indonesia. In addition to this, we signed agreements with Australia in the sectors of mining, agriculture and investment with Australian business people - including an agreement to the value of $320 million Australian dollars ($240 million USD).
“Also we will use Singapore’s experience in constructing buildings. Experience of the three countries will be used in the mentioned sectors,” said presidential spokesman Shahhussain Murtazawi.

Meanwhile a number of political analysts said if the signed agreements and the commitments are not implemented properly, they will not benefit Afghanistan.

“This is the start and it cannot be the end of the process. To implement these agreements, two things should be done. First good governance should be promoted to implement the commitments made to the donor countries, and second good diplomacy is needed to promote the donor countries’ vision for Afghanistan to continue their support,” said Abdul Qayum Sajjadi, a political analyst.