April 26, 2007
No. 64
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic
Canada Opportunities Agency, today announced the appointment of Arif Lalani as
Canada's Ambassador to Afghanistan. This appointment is effective immediately.
"Mr. Lalani brings a wealth of experience and a track record of leadership to his new
post, and will ensure that Canada continues to make an important contribution to
helping the government and people of Afghanistan rebuild their country," said Minister
MacKay.
Mr. Lalani succeeds David Sproule. Minister MacKay thanked Mr. Sproule for his
outstanding dedication as Canada's Ambassador to Afghanistan since 2005, and
wished him continued success in his next assignment. Mr. Sproule will serve in an
advisory capacity to the Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and
Interdepartmental Coordinator for Afghanistan, drawing upon his considerable
in-country experience and understanding of Canada's integrated approach in
Afghanistan.
In addition to making the Head of Mission position in Kabul one of Canada's most
senior diplomatic assignments, Canada's diplomatic and development presence in the
country is also being increased. The Department of Foreign Affairs and International
Trade and the Canadian International Development Agency are preparing to deploy
additional personnel to Afghanistan in the coming months.
Canada, along with 36 other nations, is in Afghanistan at the request of the
democratically elected Government of Afghanistan, and is part of the UN-sanctioned
mission, led by NATO, to help build a stable, democratic and self-sufficient society.
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A biographical note is attached.
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
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BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE
Arif Lalani (BA [International Relations], University of British Columbia, 1989) joined
the Department of External Affairs and International Trade in 1991. He was most
recently Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and Iraq, in Amman. He
has served abroad in Ankara (with accreditation to Georgia and Azerbaijan), New York
(at the United Nations as Alternate Permanent Representative to the Security Council)
and in Washington, D.C.
In Ottawa, assignments have included work in the Office of the Senior Advisor for the
Middle East Peace Process and as Coordinator for the Balkans in the Southern Europe
Division. In 2003, he was appointed Director, South Asia Division, which included
responsibility for Canada's engagement in Afghanistan. He served as Acting Director
General, Asia South and Pacific Bureau, prior to appointment to his role in Amman in
2006.
Mr. Lalani is a recipient of the Minister's Award for Excellence for his work with the UN
Security Council and of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal for outstanding service to
Canada and Canadians. Arif Lalani succeeds David Sproule.
