Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s trip to Australia, Indonesia and Singapore is aimed at strengthening Afghanistan’s bilateral relations with each nation, the presidential palace said in a statement.

Ghani left Kabul on Saturday night and will meet with a number of Australian, Indonesian and Singaporean officials on ways to strengthen ties between the countries.

According to Shah Hussain Murtazawi, deputy spokesman for the president, Ghani’s focus will also be on issues around mining and agriculture – especially with Australia.

“Cooperation in sectors of mining, agriculture and education are the main issues that will be discussed with the officials of the three countries,” said Murtazawi.

Ghani is accompanied by the Minister of Economy Abdul Satar Murad; acting mines and petroleum minister Nargis Nehan; deputy energy and water affairs minister Amanullah Ghalib; Presidential Adviser on Public Relations and Strategic Affairs Shah Zaman Maiwandi; and senior presidential adviser Abdul Hamid Helmandi.

Murtazawi said at a press conference in Kabul on Sunday that Ghani’s first stop is Australia then Indonesia and finally Singapore.

He said Ghani will specifically discuss issues around developing the mining and agriculture sector while in Australia where he is also expected to sign a number of agreements.

This visit comes as the national unity government steps up efforts to boost investment and trade in the country and cement foreign relations.

Lawmakers meanwhile said receiving aid from Australia, Indonesia and Singapore will be very important and useful for Afghanistan. 

“Political and military cooperation from Australia is very important for Afghanistan. Also Indonesia is an important Islamic country and its support to Afghanistan is very important and also Singapore’s economic cooperation is very useful for Afghanistan,” said Sadiqi Zada Nili, MP.