September 4, 2008
No. 191
The Honourable David Emerson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced the appointment of Ron Hoffmann a as Canada's Ambassador to Afghanistan. This appointment is effective immediately.
"Mr. Hoffmann is a seasoned senior diplomat with a distinguished reputation," said Minist er Emerson. "He brings tremendous experience to his new post and will ensure that Canada continues to make an important contribution to helping rebuild the lives of millions of men, women and children throughout Afghanistan."
Mr. Hoffmann succeeds Arif Lalani. Minister Emerson thanked Mr. Lalani for his outstanding dedication as Canada's Ambassador to Afghanistan since 2007, and wished him continued success in his next ven ture. Mr. Lalani will join the Munk Centre for International Studies at the University of Toronto as senior visiting fellow, drawing upon his considerable experience in Afghanistan and his understanding of Canada's integrated approach there.
Mr. Hoffmann now becomes Canada's fourth head of mission in Kabul since it re-established diplomatic relations with Afghanistan. He will be instrumental in ensuring the delivery of Canada's recently announced six priorities and three signature projects. Canada is also increasing its civilian presence in the country to help reach these goals.
Along with more than 60 other nations and international organizations, Canada is in Afghanistan at the request of the country's democratically elected government. It is part of the UN-sanctioned, NATO-led mission to help build a stable, democratic and self-sufficient society in the country.
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A biographical note follows.
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Lynn Meahan
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
Biographical Note
Ron Hoffmann (BA Honours, University of Manitoba, 1984; MA [International Affairs], Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University, 1990) worked as specia l assistant to Ontario's Minister of the Environment, and as policy adviser in the Office of the Premier of Ontario prior to joining the Department of External Affairs and International Trade in 1989. He has since served abroad in The Hague, Johanne sburg, Beijing and London. In his posting in London, Mr. Hoffman was Minister in the Political Affairs and Public Diplomacy Section. At Headquarters, he has served with the Export Finance and Capital Projects Division; the Trade Planning and Coordination Division; the Africa and Middle East Trade Development Division; as well as the Defence and Security Policy Division, as Director. From 2001 to 2002, he served as senior departmental assistant to former foreign affairs ministers John Manley and Bill Graham. Mr. Hoffmann is currently deputy head of mission at the Embassy of Canada to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, in Kabul. He and his wife, Andrea, have two daughters, Elise and Ingrid. Mr. Hoffmann succeeds Arif Lalani.
