May 22, 2007

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

Prime Minister Stephen Harper arrived in the Afghan capital of Kabul today, to meet with frontline Canadian workers helping the country to build a democratic, economically viable future of lasting peace and prosperity.

Culminating a day of site visits and briefings related to Canada’s ongoing reconstruction and development efforts in the war-torn country, the Prime Minister met with President Hamid Karzai to reaffirm Canada’s ongoing commitment to help Afghanistan emerge from years of oppression under Taliban rule.

“It is precisely because we treasure the advantages that make our own country great – that we have extended our hand to Afghanistan,” the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister met with President Karzai following a visit with students at Aschiana School, where Canada is partnering with Afghanistan to assist a vulnerable group of children who, because of war and chaos, were left out of the school system.

Canadian aid and development workers on the ground in Afghanistan also met with the Prime Minister to discuss the details of a number of reconstruction and development projects currently under way, including the development of critical water and sanitation, power supply, irrigation and health facilities.

“This is Canada at its best, and Canadian people are proud to stand with Afghanistan,” said the Prime Minister. “As Canadians, we know that Afghanistan’s future will not be secured through military means alone.”

“We know it depends on creating the economic, social and governmental infrastructure that ensures a lasting peace and prosperity.”