Ministers Cannon and Day Conclude Successful Visit to Afghanistan and Announce Additional Support for Rule of Law
March 17, 2009 — The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Chair of the Cabinet Committee on Afghanistan, today concluded a three-day visit to Afghanistan during which they announced additional support from Canada to help strengthen the rule of law in that country. Strengthening the rule of law is one of Canada’s six priorities in Afghanistan.
The ministers’ visit included working meetings with Afghan ministers and senior government officials. The Canadian ministers also had in-depth discussions on Canada’s mission in Afghanistan with Canadian military and civilian officials there. The ministers were able to see, first-hand, the important work Canadians, Afghans and international partners are doing in this challenging environment.
"This visit was extremely beneficial as Canada looks forward to participating in the United Nations Afghanistan conference in The Hague on March 31," said Minister Cannon. "Moreover, during this visit, we reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to Afghanistan through the announcement of funding to strengthen the rule of law. With this new contribution, Canada is taking action to help Afghans assume responsibility for more of their own security."
"Policing, courts and corrections continue to be priority focuses for Afghanistan and Canada. A credible rule of law system is vital to making people and communities feel more secure," said Minister Day. "Canadians can be proud that our soldiers and civilians are at work in Kandahar, Kabul and Ottawa to help rebuild Afghanistan as a better governed, more peaceful and more secure country."
During their visit, ministers Cannon and Day announced that Canada will help strengthen the rule of law in Afghanistan through a contribution of over $21 million. They travelled to the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team, where they toured the Police Training Centre and hosted an event for Canadian civilian and military personnel.
The ministers also visited a police substation and Sarpoza Prison, where Canada is involved in repairing infrastructure and training activities. They took the opportunity to discuss Canada’s role with correctional and Afghan National Police officials and staff.
In addition, the ministers held a round-table discussion with key representatives of the Kandahar economic sector to explore economic and educational opportunities for the citizens of Kanadahar.
On this trip, ministers Cannon and Day took part in a series of successful working meetings with Afghan and international officials, including Kandahar’s Governor Tooryalai Wesa. The ministers also spent a day in Kabul, where they met with President Hamid Karzai, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rangin Dadfar Spanta, Minister of Interior Affairs Mohammad Hanif Atmar and Minister of Commerce and Industry Wahidullah Shahrani. They reaffirmed Canada's long-term commitment to Afghanistan and discussed the real and ongoing challenges that need to be adressed. The Canadian and Afghan ministers agreed to work together to create a strong, stable and secure country.
For more information, please visit: www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/index.aspx?lang=en.
Backgrounder and photos from visit
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Catherine Loubier
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Mélisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
613-992-6186
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
www.internationaltrade.gc.ca
