Australia stands by Afghanistan after attack

Australia’s prime minister has told the parliament that he telephoned Afghan President Ashraf Ghani “to restate Australia’s resolve to assist and support Afghanistan in its fight against Islamist terrorism.”

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Thursday that the deadly truck explosion that killed 90 people had occurred less than one kilometer (less than a mile) from the Australian Embassy, which he had visited five weeks ago, and had left staff “very shaken.”

Lawmakers stood in silence as a mark of respect for victims during a session of Parliament attended by Afghan Ambassador to Australia Wahidullah Waissi.

Australia announced this week it will send an additional 30 military advisers to train Afghan troops and expected other countries to increase their contributions to the restive Central Asian country.