NEWS RELEASES
GRAHAM ANNOUNCES OPENING OF EMBASSY IN AFGHANISTAN
August 6, 2003 (3:10 p.m. EDT) No. 110
GRAHAM ANNOUNCES OPENING OF EMBASSY IN AFGHANISTAN
Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today announced that the Canadian Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, is now
operational. The announcement follows the July 31 appointment of Christopher Alexander as Canada's ambassador to
Afghanistan.
"The Embassy in Kabul is a timely contribution to Canada's stabilization and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan, and
will provide valuable consular support to the growing number of Canadians assisting on the ground," said Minister
Graham. "A firm diplomatic presence is important in enabling us to work closely with our Afghan partners, as well as the
resident international community, to ensure that the country doesn't again become a haven for terrorists."
The Minister also stressed that every effort is being made to ensure that embassy personnel can function in a safe and
effective manner, given the still unstable security situation on the ground.
In March, Canada pledged $250 million to the reconstruction of Afghanistan for 2003 and 2004. In June, the Government
announced it would open an embassy as part of efforts to increase Canadian involvement in the stabilization and
reconstruction of Afghanistan.
A full diplomatic staff is expected to be in place by the end of August.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Isabelle Savard
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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