Canada is in Afghanistan to defend our national interests, to ensure Canadian leadership in world affairs, and to help Afghanistan. We are taking an integrated approach that is focussed on three primary objectives in Afghanistan

1) help stabilise the country;

2) strengthen governance; and

3) improve the lives of Afghans.

Canadian diplomacy is playing a key role in working to achieve these goals.

Protecting Canadians. Rebuilding Afghanistan
Canada is making important diplomatic, defence and development contributions to the stabilization and reconstruction of Afghanistan. Our objectives are threefold: to defend our national interests, ensure Canadian leadership in world affairs, and help Afghanistan rebuild into a free, democratic and peaceful country.

Netcast Features:

Canadian Success in Disarmament
Heavy Weapons Cantonment: Canada was instrumental in the process to canton over 12,200 heavy weapons in Afghanistan. Canadians in Kabul helped to create the momentum and will for a programme many thought impossible.
Demining: Canada has helped to clear over one-third of an estimated 10-15 million mines laid in Afghanistan. However, as Afghanistan is one of the most mine-affected countries in the world, much work is still to be done.

Canada's Role in Southern Afghanistan
Canada's work in Afghanistan is building on our "whole-of-government approach." This includes the deployment of a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT), and of a Canadian contingent of some 2,500 troops to southern Afghanistan. The following video features highlight aspects of Canada's involvement in Afghanistan.

Reports from the Field
Since diplomatic relations with Kabul were re-established in January 2002, Canadians of various expertise have travelled to Afghanistan to assist local efforts in building a prosperous, sustainable, and united nation.

Key Issues in Afghan Security
Take a drive through Kabul with security specialist Mark Sedra (see Mark's bio below) as he discusses some key questions surrounding Afghanistan's road to democracy