Canadina govt reiterates commitment to Afghanistan

NEW YORK: The Canadian government has reiterated its commitment to Afghanistan both in terms of military presence and humanitarian aid. Spokesperson for the Canadian Foreign Ministry Bernard Ngyuen said Canada had committed approximately $1.2 billion in development and reconstruction assistance to Afghanistan for the period from 2001 to 2011.

In an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, the spokesperson said the Canadian government intended to bolster efforts to consolidate security gains on the ground and use them to advance reconstruction and help the Afghan people.

To that end, the spokesperson pointed out, the Canadian prime minister had announced up to $200 million in additional funding for reconstruction and development activities in Afghanistan. Regarding any increase in troops’ level of Canadian forces in Afghanistan, the spokesperson said Canada continued to show international leadership by committing troops, resources, and development and governance to help the Afghan government secure a better future for its people. About the visits of senior Canadian officials to Afghanistan, the spokesperson said the visits underlined Canada’s commitment to Afghanistan.

Canada is encouraging the values of democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights in Afghanistan through efforts to improve security and contribute to development and governance in the country.