Samad, an American-educated former journalist who has been ambassador in Ottawa since September 2004, said he was heartened by the Commons debate.
"It was truly encouraging and moving for me . . . to hear the very strong support that was voiced by parliamentarians from all parties for the mission to Afghanistan last night,'' he said.
"On behalf of my government and the Afghan people, I would like to thank the people of Canada.''
Samad said reconstruction in Afghanistan will take years. He estimated four to five years to rebuild the army and police and more time to develop a new economy.
Despite growing unrest and terrorist strikes in many out the outlying regions, including the south where Canadian troops are based, Samad said there is reason for hope.
"We are still at the very beginning of the process of rebuilding Afghanistan and putting things together,'' he said. "We have made some tremendous progress in many ways . . . . but we still have a long way to go.''
Canada has been involved in the region for four years and Samad said he is confident Canada will continue to play a key role in Afghanistan.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has pledged that Canada won't "cut and run'' and Samad said he welcomes that commitment.
"We are confident that Canada will continue to stand with us until we reach a point of no return, when the terrorist network is no longer a threat and when Afghanistan will be able to take care of its own security and development.''
Canada has about 2,300 soldiers assigned to Afghanistan, including a battle group and a provincial reconstruction team based in the troubled southern city of Kandahar.
In the last three years, 11 Canadian soldiers and a diplomat have been killed in Afghanistan.
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