Canada Promises to Help Afghanistan as Long as Necessary
Aug 30,2006
On August 30, President Karzai received Gordon O’Connor, Canada’s Minister of Defense, at the Gulkhana Palace.
Minister O’Connor stressed the need for cooperation in the war on terror saying, “Canada will continue its assistance to Afghanistan until it fully stands on its own feet.”
“The Afghan National Army should have a significant role in the fight against terrorism and Canada will provide the assistance to strengthen it,” he added.
The Minister expressed excitement at President Karzai’s upcoming trip to Canada, to which the President replied, “I am happy to visit your country to thank the people of Canada for their help and contribution for ensuring peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan.”
President Karzai added that development projects in areas that are secure due to the efforts of countries such as Canada will help strengthen stability.
In his three-day visit to the region, Minister O’Connor will visit Canadian troops, diplomats, and local and regional authorities to discuss Canada’s progress in Afghanistan. Canada currently has 2,300 troops deployed in Kandahar as a part of NATO-led ISAF.