NEWS RELEASES

November 22, 2001 (9:05 a.m. EST) No. 155

MANLEY AND PAGTAKHAN WELCOME CONFERENCE ON AFGHANISTAN OF TOMORROW

John Manley, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Dr. Rey Pagtakhan, Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific), today welcomed participants to the conference entitled "Afghanistan of Tomorrow." The conference, organized by South Asia Partnership (SAP) Canada, is taking place November 22 and 23, 2001, at the Lester B. Pearson Building in Ottawa.

"This event presents an excellent opportunity for the Government of Canada to engage in a constructive dialogue with Afghan intellectuals and experts," said Minister Manley. "With its long-standing history of peacebuilding, Canada welcomes the occasion to engage with key Afghan players and non-governmental groups as we work collectively to explore strategies for post-conflict reconstruction of Afghanistan."

The forum brings together over 100 participants including Afghan-Canadian community leaders, Afghan intellectuals, tribal leaders and Afghan women from across Canada, the United States, Pakistan and Europe, together with Canadian NGOs, humanitarian workers, students, parliamentarians and government officials.

"We are proud to be able to host such a timely and important event," said Dr. Pagtakhan. "This conference will allow participants to discuss future alternatives that reflect the views and aspirations of the Afghan people."

The objectives of the conference are to develop an understanding of the situation in Afghanistan from an Afghan point of view; build Canadian government and NGO capacity to develop appropriate and practical strategies for the reconstruction and peacebuilding of the future Afghanistan; and examine alternatives for a post-Taliban government that will restore lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region.

South Asia Partnership Canada is a forum of Canadian organizations that, together and with South Asian partners, works for sustainable human development in the region. Established in 1983, SAP has 22 member organizations, primarily international development NGOs working in South Asia, plus a large constituency of NGOs, social justice groups, universities, research and policy institutes, South Asian Canadian groups and corporations in Canada.

- 30 -

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Sanjeev Chowdhury

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

(613) 995-1851

Stephanie Ashton

Office of the Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)

(613) 995-2742

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874

http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca