KABUL, January 13, 2009 - Today, The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, concluded a four-day trip to Afghanistan, where she officially launched the project implementation phase of the Dahla Dam initiative, participated in the first-ever civilian Transfer of Authority ceremony between Representative of Canada to Kandahar, and had working meetings with Afghan ministers as well as NGO representatives.
"Canada's mission in Afghanistan is being transformed with increased effectiveness and focus," said Minister Oda who is also the Vice-Chair of the Cabinet Committee on Afghanistan. "We are taking concrete steps on our Signature projects in Kandahar province that were announced just last summer. With an increased civilian presence and delegated authority in the field, our Canadian team is able to respond more rapidly, working with the Afghan government and community leaders towards achieving our government's strategic policy objectives in Kandahar and at the national level."
Following the Dahla Dam announcement, Minister Oda had the opportunity to visit a special Photo Exhibit at the Governor’s Guest House - Mandigak Palace. This initiative, co-led by Canada and in partnership with the U.S., invited Kandahari youth to capture everyday life in and around Kandahar. The project served as both an opportunity for local youth to engage in the creative arts and as a way for the global community to catch a glimpse of daily life in ever-changing Afghanistan.
During the Kabul leg of her trip, Minister Oda officially unveiled a memorial to Canadian civilians in Afghanistan at the Canadian Embassy in Kabul.
She also held bilateral meetings with the Afghan Vice-President, Abdul Karim Khalili; the Afghan Minister of Interior, Hanif Atmar and the Afgan Minister of Education, Dr Ghulam Farooq Wardak.
She took advantage of her meeting with the Afghan Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Mohammad Asif Rahimi, and the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Kai Eide, to announce Canada’s contribution of $14 million in response to a joint UN/Government of Afghanistan appeal to address winter food shortages in Afghanistan.
Minister Oda also met with CIDA’s Canadian NGO partners working in Afghanistan and with Afghan civil society representatives.
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For more information on Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan, please visit www.afghanistan.gc.ca.
Information:
Michelle Coates
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
Telephone: 819-953-6238
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: 819-953-6534
E-mail: media@acdi-cida.gc.ca
