Afghanistan, Kabul, 7 September / Trend corr.A.Hakimi/ Career diplomat Ron Hoffmann, also deputy head of mission at the Canadian embassy in Kabul, has been promoted as ambassador to Afghanistan. Hoffmann replaces Arif Lalani.
A statement from the Canadian embassy quoted the foreign minister as saying: He brings tremendous experience to his new post and will ensure that Canada continues to make an important contribution to helping rebuild the lives of millions of men, women and children throughout Afghanistan.
Hoffmann now becomes Canadaїs fourth head of mission in Kabul since it re-established diplomatic relations with Afghanistan. He will be instrumental in ensuring the delivery of Canadaїs recently announced six priorities and three signature projects.
Canada is also increasing its civilian presence in the country to help reach these goals. Along with more than 60 other nations and international organizations, Canada is in Afghanistan at the request of the countryїs democratically elected government. It is part of the UN-sanctioned, NATO-led mission to help build a stable, democratic and self-sufficient society in the country.
The new envoy holds a master's in International Affairs from Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University. He has worked as policy adviser in the Office of the Premier of Ontario prior to joining the Department of External Affairs and International Trade in 1989. Canada has more 2500 soldiers in Afghanistan in the unrest province of Kandahar, engaged fighting with Taliban insurgency. It should be mentioned that Canada is one of the main contributor country for the reconstruction of Afghanistan.
