Ottawa - The photo exhibit "Voices on the Rise: Afghan Women Making the News" was opened at the Alliance Française in Toronto on Thursday by the Ambassadors of France and Afghanistan to Canada.

At the opening ceremony, Amb. Danielle Jouanneau dedicated the exhibit to the memory of Afghan women journalists who have been killed by extremists and terrorists over the past five years.

Recalling a century of French-Afghan relations, he also reiterated France's commitment to continue to assist in the security and reconstruction sectors in Afghanistan. President Nicolas Sarkozy has recently announced the expansion of France's training efforts with the Afghan national army, with plans to deploy an additional 150 instructors to the country.

Afghan envoy Omar Samad thanked the Ambassador and the Alliance Française for hosting and co-sponsoring the event, and also talked about the importance of international efforts to stabilize his country and give hope to millions of Afghans, who seek a better life. He thanked France and other nations, including Canada, for the significant contributions made since 2001.

Khorshied Samad, wife of the Afghan envoy, and Ms. Jane McElhone, the co-curators of the exhibit, talked about the growing role of women in today's Afghanistan . They pointed to the achievements in various fields, highlighted by the exhibit's focus on Afghan women journalists.

They also expressed sorrow and concern about the recent attacks on Afghan activists and students, calling for protection and continued world support. The exhibit is dedicated to the memory of journalists Zakia Zaki and Shekeba Sanga Amaj.

The event was attended by a large number of Canadian, representatives of the Afghan-Canadian community, journalists and members of the diplomatic corps. Present were H.E. Adrienne Clarkson, former Governor General of Canada and H.E. Bill Graham, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence.

The exhibit will be open to the public at the Alliance Française till July 5 and will then move to the Toronto Public Library form July 9 to August 31.

Embassy of Afghanistan

June 15, 2007