Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman has visited New Zealand soldiers in Afghanistan and met senior politicians in Bamyan province.
Dr Coleman said he expressed his condolences to the New Zealand Defence Force Provincial Reconstruction Team in Bamayn over the recent deaths of five soldiers and thanked troops for their professionalism.
He talked to the Provincial Governor of Bamyan about the security work that needs to be done in the six months before New Zealand forces leave in April near year.
Dr Coleman says New Zealand's 10 years in Bamyan has made a massive difference to the quality of life of the people living there.