MUNICH – February 15, 2020
Canada, Ukraine, Sweden, Afghanistan and the United Kingdom, the members of the International Coordination and Response Group for the victims of Flight PS752, held a second in-person meeting on the margins of the Munich Security Conference today to advance work on the framework of cooperation with Iran presented in London, United Kingdom, on January 16, 2020.
Today, the ministers of the coordination group will present a letter to Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, in which they reaffirm the need to provide closure, accountability, transparency and justice for the families and loved ones of the victims.
During a discussion with Minister Zarif, the ministers of the coordination group pressed Iran to continue to take necessary active steps toward the resolution of the many crucial questions of fact and of law raised by the downing of the flight. The group’s ministers urged a transparent and thorough safety investigation, in compliance with the standards and practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization. They also called for timely and equitable compensation consistent with international precedents. Lastly, the group’s ministers urged Iran to complete a thorough and transparent criminal investigation of the downing of PS752.
In addition, the Coordination Group also discussed the need to improve aviation security and air travel near or over conflict zones.
Ottawa- February 13, 2020
Ambassador Soroosh visited the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and met with the Chamber’s President and CEO, the Honorable Perrin Beatty. They discussed bilateral trade, business opportunities and trade missions among other issues.
President Beatty explained about areas of focus and major activities under the Canadian Chamber of Commerce as the largest business association in Canada and highlighted areas that the Chamber can help with trade missions and business connections.
Ambassador Soroosh spoke about the legal, policy and institutional frameworks for trade and investment in Afghanistan and elaborated on major activities under the existing chambers in Afghanistan.
Counselor Azim Wardak and Commercial Attaché Hakim Nasiry from the Embassy and Mr. Mark Agnew, Senior Director of International Policy from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce were also present in the meeting.
Ottawa- February 11, 2020
From all-girl Afghan robotics team to Ms. Shakardokht Jafari, an Afghan scientist who brought improved cancer treatment to Afghan patients, Afghanistan presents an inspiring example of women’s growing contribution to science, technology and sustainable development.
The government of Afghanistan is committed to helping women and girls realize their full potential in science and technology including through establishing dedicated technology schools and innovation centers in the country.
Ottawa- February 6, 2020
Ambassador Hassan Soroosh met with Honorable Francesco Sorbara, Member of Parliament and Chair of the Canada-Afghanistan Parliamentary Friendship Group.
The two sides discussed various aspects of bilateral cooperation as well as future activities under the Friendship Group. Ambassador Soroosh expressed his gratitude for Canada’s continued support to important areas including education, public health, women’s empowerment and security sector in Afghanistan. He further stressed the importance of the Parliamentary Friendship Group in building long term partnership between the two countries.
Mr. Sayed Mujtaba Ahmadi, Deputy Chief of Mission and Ms. Shabana Kargar, Head of the Cultural and Social Affairs Section of the Embassy were also present in the meeting.
‘Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If you’re a girl)’ directed by Carol Dysinger, has won the Academy Award for Best Documentary on Short Subject. It is the story of hopes and struggles of courageous Afghan young girls who want to overcome difficulties and make a different future for themselves through education and sport. It is an inspiring story about how education can empower young girls!
Ottawa- January 28, 2020
Ambassador Hassan Soroosh met with Ms. Jennifer Simpson and Ms. Najia Haneefi, Co-chairs of the Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan (CW4WAfghan)-Ottawa Chapter, at the Afghan Embassy in Ottawa.
The two sides discussed the ongoing projects and activities by CW4WAfghan aimed at advancing education and educational opportunities for women in Afghanistan. They further discussed the importance of women’s empowerment and their meaningful participation in the peace process.
Ambassador Soroosh thanked the CW4WAfghan for their continued support to women’s empowerment in Afghanistan and elaborated on the Afghan Government’s efforts and concrete actions in support of Afghan women in different sectors.
The two sides also exchanged views on potential joint activities in the future.
Ms. Shabana Kargar, Head of the Cultural and Social Affairs Section of the Embassy was also present in the meeting.
Ottawa- January 27, 2020
During a high-level ceremony attended by H.E. Second Vice President Sarwar Danesh, H.E. Acting Foreign Minister M.Haroon Chakhansuri, representatives from media and heads of diplomatic missions in Kabul, Afghanistan officially joined the Media Freedom Coalition.
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Ottawa- January 24, 2020
Today is the International Day of Education. As the key to human well-being, sustainable development and women’s empowerment, education remains a top priority under the Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework (ANPDF) and the Afghanistan Sustainable Development Goals (ASDGs). Thanks to the efforts made by the government of Afghanistan, public support and continued international assistance including by Canada, education is one of the most promising sectors in Afghanistan. Today, around 9 million children attend school and close to 40 percent of them are girls. The government of Afghanistan is committed to improving the coverage and quality of education in the country.
Photo by UNICEF
Ottawa- January 14, 2020
H.E. President Ashraf Ghani and H.E. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a phone conversation this morning Ottawa time. Expressing their sympathy and condolences to the families of victims of the recent plane crash in Iran including those affected from Afghanistan and Canada, the two sides discussed this tragic incident and stressed the importance of full investigation into the crash and the need for the provision of all the required information and assistance to the victims’ families. They further emphasized the need for coordinated efforts under the International Coordination and Response Group for families of victims of Flight PS752.
Ottawa- January 17, 2020
Ambassador Hassan Soroosh met with Mr. Toby Lanzer, the UN Secretary General's Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan at the Afghan Embassy in Ottawa.
They discussed the ongoing efforts under the peace process as well as the development and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan including by Canada.
Mr. Lanzer is visiting Ottawa for a number of engagements on Afghanistan.
Mr. Sayed Mujtaba Ahmadi, Deputy Chief of Mission and Mr. Azim Wardak, Counselor of the Embassy were also present in the meeting.
