Ottawa- July 22, 2021
Ambassador Hassan Soroosh participated this afternoon as a keynote speaker in a virtual conversation which was hosted by the University Women Helping Afghan Women (UWHAW). The event was attended by members of the Canadian Federation of University Women, UWHAW, Canadian Woman for Afghan Women as well as scholars and human rights advocates from across Canada.
Ambassador Soroosh briefed the participants about the ongoing brutal campaign of violence waged by the Taliban and foreign terrorist groups against the people of Afghanistan; widespread violation of human rights; high number of casualties and IDPs among civilians including women and children; a deteriorating humanitarian situation and significant damages to public properties and infrastructure by the Taliban.
Ambassador Soroosh spoke about the recent achievements of the Afghanistan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) in recapturing a considerable number of districts in various provinces and highlighted the commitment and plan of the government to improve the security situation in the country in the weeks and months to come.
While highlighting the dedication and capabilities of ANDSF, Ambassador Soroosh stressed the importance of continued support to ANDSF to counter terrorism as a common threat to regional and international security and stability. Ambassador Soroosh also provided an update on the ongoing peace efforts as well as the COVID-19 situation in Afghanistan.
While expressing their concern over the unprecedented increase in violence, human rights violation and destruction of public facilities and infrastructure by the Taliban, the participants of today’s conversation highlighted the importance of continued collective advocacy efforts in support of peace and development in Afghanistan and in defence our shared values including human rights and women’s empowerment.
Ambassador Soroosh expressed his gratefulness for UWHAW’s sustained support to development efforts in Afghanistan including in the area of education for Afghan women and girls and stressed the importance of continued conversation and collaboration in light of the current situation and future partnership between Afghanistan and Canada.
Ms. Shabana Kargar, Head of the Social Affairs Section of the Embassy also attended the event.
Ottawa- July 15, 2021
Ambassador Hassan Soroosh met virtually this afternoon with Mr. Paul Thoppil, Assistant Deputy Minister for Asia-Pacific and Mr. David Hartman, Director General of South Asia Bureau, Global Affairs Canada. They discussed the current situation in Afghanistan and various aspects of bilateral cooperation.
Ambassador Soroosh spoke about a massive and brutal campaign of violence waged by the Taliban with support from foreign terrorist groups against the government and people of Afghanistan; high number of civilian casualties including among women and children; violation of human rights; a dire humanitarian situation and significant damages to the properties and infrastructure caused by the Taliban. Ambassador Soroosh further spoke about the commitment and capabilities of Afghanistan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF), the need for a regional and international consensus on the threat of terrorism and the importance of continued support to ANDSF in this context. Ambassador Soroosh also spoke about the recent developments in the context of the peace process as well as the COVID-19 situation and the relevant priorities and challenges in Afghanistan.
Expressing concern over the recent escalation of violence in Afghanistan, Assistant Deputy Minister Thoppil spoke about Canada's continued robust support to peace and development in Afghanistan. He also highlighted Canada’s support to COVID-19 response efforts at an international level including in Afghanistan.
Ambassador Soroosh expressed his gratitude for Canada’s continued commitment and support to development and peace efforts in Afghanistan.
Mr. Azim Wardak, Counselor of the Embassy and Ms. Kelly Whitty, Deputy Director – Political/Trade, Afghanistan Program, Global Affairs Canada also attended this virtual meeting.
Ottawa- July 16, 2021
Ambassador Hassan Soroosh and the Honorable Francesco Sorbara, Member of Parliament and Co-Chair of the Canada-Afghanistan Parliamentary Friendship Group held a virtual meeting this morning and discussed the current situation in Afghanistan as well as bilateral cooperation and parliamentary linkages.
Ambassador Soroosh spoke about the ongoing brutal campaign of violence waged by the Taliban and foreign terrorist groups against Afghanistan which has resulted in a high number of casualties and displacements among civilians including women and children; violation of human rights, a deteriorating humanitarian situation and significant damages to public properties and infrastructure by the Taliban.
While highlighting the commitment and capabilities of Afghanistan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF), Ambassador Soroosh stressed the importance of continued support to ANDSF to counter terrorism as a common threat to regional and international security and stability. Ambassador Soroosh also provided an update on the ongoing peace efforts as well as the COVID-19 situation and the relevant priorities and challenges in Afghanistan.
The Honorable MP Sorbara expressed concern over the unprecedented increase in violence, human rights violation and destruction of public facilities and infrastructure by the Taliban.
He further highlighted Canada’s continued commitment to peace and development in Afghanistan and stressed the importance of continued conversation and collaboration including under the Canada-Afghanistan Parliamentary Friendship Group (CAPFG).
Ambassador Soroosh expressed his gratefulness for Canada’s sustained support to development and peace efforts in Afghanistan as well as for the continued commitment of CAPFG to deepening bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.
Ottawa- July 12, 2021
On July 08, 2021, the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum (MoMP) of Afghanistan announced 21 large-scale mining projects for investment. The projects’ commodities include gold, copper, gemstone, cement, marble, granite, and travertine. We highly encourage the potential investors/companies to visit the MoMP webpage and review the brief pitchbooks on every project. We will be happy to connect the investors with the relevant department at MoMP and facilitate their visit to Afghanistan for the next steps in this regard.
The details of these large-scale mining projects are available on the MoMP webpage via this link: https://mompjobs.gov.af/lsmu/public/GetProject/ProjectList
Ottawa- July 09, 2021
As part of a new series of conversations, Ambassador Hassan Soroosh recently met with friends of Afghanistan and prominent Canadian scholars - whom included: Dr. Stephen Saideman – Paterson Chair in International Affairs, Dr. Roland Paris – Professor of International Studies and Director of the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa, Dr Sean M. Maloney – Professor of History at Royal Military College, Dr Kim Richard Nossal – Professor Emeritus in the Department of Political Studies at Queen’s University and Dr. Nipa Banerjee – Senior Fellow in the International Development and Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ottawa - in separate virtual meetings to discuss the current situation in Afghanistan, the peace process, multifaceted bilateral cooperation between Canada and Afghanistan, the prospects for a new chapter in the partnership between Afghanistan and international partners as well as potential opportunities in the future to coordinate joint events on Afghanistan and bilateral cooperation.
The participants in this series have previously served under different capacities in both government and academia and have written extensively, including books and papers, on Afghanistan.
The embassy looks forward to continuing our discussion with friends of Afghanistan and Canadian scholars to foster greater linkages between Afghanistan and Canada.
Ottawa- July 01, 2021
Ambassador Hassan Soroosh spoke at a program which was organized by the Toronto-based " Watan E Maa TV" on the occasion of Canada Day.
Expressing his best wishes on this occasion, Ambassador Soroosh spoke about the long-standing and multifaceted partnership between Afghanistan and Canada as well as the collective efforts and sacrifices made by both nations in defence of our shared values.
Ambassador Soroosh outlined key priorities and ongoing activities of the Embassy in important areas such as development cooperation, trade and investment, women’s empowerment, cultural diplomacy and working with Afghan diaspora.
Ambassador Soroosh praised the important role of Afghan diaspora in contributing to Canadian society and bilateral cooperation between Afghanistan and Canada.
Other distinguished speakers spoke about various aspects of Canadian society and culture as well as the growing linkages between Afghanistan and Canada.
Ottawa- July 01, 2021
Read a message by Ambassador Hassan Soroosh on the occasion of Canada Day:
“On behalf of my family, staff and myself I extend my best wishes to all Canadians on the occasion of Canada Day.
For Afghans, the friendship, solidarity, sacrifices and partnership that you have shown us will never be forgotten and our shared values continue to drive us towards a brighter and connected future.
Canada’s support continues to play a crucial part in the progress that Afghanistan has achieved over the last two decades in important areas such as democratic process, education, health, women’s empowerment and security sector for which we are enormously grateful.
We are proud of the Afghan diaspora who continue to play a key role in contributing to Canadian society, bringing their ideas and skills to moving Canada forward. We appreciate the Afghan Canadians who continue to play a key part in support of peace and development in Afghanistan as well as in helping to grow greater linkages and cooperation between our two countries.
As the pandemic appears to be coming to an end, many of us will have a deeper appreciation and look forward to returning to our pre-pandemic lives that we have missed over the last year. At the same time, we do not forget the enormous efforts and sacrifices of the people, such as frontline workers, who have worked tirelessly to keep us safe during this difficult period.
Afghanistan is currently facing a challenging third wave, and we hope that with continued support from our international partners including Canada, we will be able to ensure that more and more Afghans will be vaccinated and will have access to needed medical supplies in the days and weeks to come.
Building upon the productive efforts in fostering government-to-government, inter-parliamentary and people-to-people linkages, the embassy looks forward to further working with our friends and colleagues in Canada to strengthen the multifaceted and longstanding partnership between our two nations.”
Ottawa- June 30, 2021
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Consular Section in Ottawa will remain closed on July 1st, 2021 on the occasion of Canada Day.
به اطلاع عموم مراجعین محترم سفارت جمهوری اسلامی افغانستان در کانادا رسانیده میشود که سفارت و بخش قونسلی آن به روزپنجشنبه مورخ ۱جولای ۲۰۲۱ به مناسبت تجلیل روز ملی کانادا رخصتی عمومی می باشد.
په اوتاوا-کاناډا کې د افغانستان اسلامي جمهوریت سفارت محترمو مراجعینو ته په درنښت خبر ورکول کیږي، چې د سفارت د قونسلي چارو څانګه به د پنجشنی په ورځ، چې د۲۰۲۱ میلادی کال د جولای میاشتې له ۱ نیټې سره سمون لري، په کوربه هیواد کې د(Canada Day)له کبله رخصت دی.
Ottawa- June 18, 2021
A virtual expert meeting titled "Strengthening Peace Through Pluralism," was hosted by the Afghan State Ministry for Peace and the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Ottawa, in collaboration with the Global Centre for Pluralism this morning.
H.E. Sayed Sadat Mansoor Naderi, State Minister for Peace of Afghanistan delivered the keynote address followed by opening remarks by H.E. Hassan Soroosh, Ambassador of Afghanistan to Canada, H.E. Reid Sirrs, Ambassador of Canada to Afghanistan and a comprehensive briefing by Ms. Meredith Preston McGhie, Secretary-General of the Global Centre for Pluralism and Mr. Chris Thornton, Senior Advisor for the Center on how pluralism can contribute to the Afghan Peace Process.
H.E. Saoud Abdulla Al-Mahmoud, Ambassador of Qatar to Canada also made brief remarks reaffirming the State of Qatar’s continued commitment to peace and development in Afghanistan.
The speakers discussed diversity and inclusion in the context of the Afghan peace process and how it can contribute to sustainable peace in the country. Speakers described inclusion as a critical element and a guiding principle in both peace making and peace building efforts and stressed the importance of meaningful participation of all stakeholder groups including women and minorities in the peace process.
The Afghan speakers thanked Canada and other international partners for their principled position in support of an inclusive peace process and long-term partnership with Afghanistan. They also highlighted the courage and commitment of the people and government of Afghanistan in taking the peace process forward. The speakers also highlighted the importance of continued conversation, research and exchange of experiences with a view to help deepen understanding of pluralism and its applications in the peace process.
Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Sayed Mujtaba Ahmadi from the Embassy of Afghanistan and Ms. Jayne Barlow from the Global Center for Pluralism moderated the program.
Ottawa- June 16, 2021
The second virtual information sharing session between the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of Afghanistan (MoMP) was hosted by the Global Affairs Canada in collaboration with the Embassy of Afghanistan in Ottawa this morning.
Mr. Christopher Gibbins, Executive Director, Afghanistan, and Pakistan Division, GAC, spoke about Canada’s long-term partnership with Afghanistan. He also highlighted the importance of cooperation between NRCan and MoMP in the future in the context of Canada’s long-term commitment to Afghanistan.
Mr. Azim Wardak, Counsellor of the Embassy spoke about the huge potential in the mining sector of Afghanistan as well as the recent reforms undertaken by the government of Afghanistan in this sector. He also highlighted the importance of long-term cooperation between Afghanistan and Canada as a world leader in the mining sector and one of the largest development partners for Afghanistan.
Mr. Luc Leboeuf, Director, International Affairs and Trade Division, NRCan, shared updates from NRCan and moderated the Canadian presentations.
Mr. Abdullah Asifi, Program Implementation Advisor, MoMP, presented an overview of the mining sector in Afghanistan including the recent amendments that have been made in the mining law. He also presented a comprehensive presentation on the mining projects ready for investment in Afghanistan.
The rest of speakers from NRCan presented informative presentations on investment attraction in the mining sector in Canada and the importance of risk mitigation; Canadian institutions in mining sector and overview of mine regulation including site inspection.
Directors and representatives from various sections within MoMP and NRCan participated in this meeting.
