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.
LONDON, January 16, 2020
Canada, Ukraine, Sweden, Afghanistan and the UK – members of the International Coordination and Response Group for [families of] the victims of Flight PS752 -held an in-person meeting at Canada House in London, UK, today and agreed upon a framework for cooperation with Iran in response to this tragedy to provide closure. accountability, transparency and justice for the families and loved ones of all the victims.
The framework is centered on five key elements that will guide our engagement with the Iranian authorities to ensure:
- Full and unhindered access for our officials to and within Iran to provide consular services.
- That the victim identification process is conducted with dignity, transparency and according to international standards and that the wishes of the families regarding repatriation are respected in all cases.
- A thorough, independent and transparent international investigation open to grieving nations governed by the Convention of International Civil Aviation
- The Government of Iran assumes full responsibility for this tragedy and recognizes its duties towards the families of the victims – including compensation.
- Accountability for those responsible though an independent criminal investigation followed by transparent and impartial judicial proceedings which conform to international standards of due process and human rights.
We welcome the Government of Iran’s engagement to date and encourage their continued cooperation.
Ottawa- January 14, 2020
Ambassador Hassan Soroosh met with Ms. Meredith Preston McGhie, the new Secretary General of the Global Center for Pluralism at the Embassy of Afghanistan in Ottawa. The two sides discussed the ongoing activities and projects under the Center. They further discussed the potential for future cooperation with both governmental and non-governmental organizations in Afghanistan in areas of focus under the Center including research and analysis; education; global pluralism award; and global pluralism index.
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.
