Pakistan has certainly played a crucial role in the international campaign against terrorism and Canadians praise the efforts of President Musharraf and of countless soldiers in the collective struggle.
This was stated by the High Commissioner of Canada, David B. Collins, while addressing a meeting on 'Canada's Security and Development Efforts in Afghanistan: The Significance for Pakistan,' organised by the English Speaking Union of Pakistan (ESUP), here on Thursday.
He stated that on Wednesday Canadian Parliament extended the Canada's mission to Afghanistan by two years to 2009.
Collins further said that Canada is committed to the emergence of a stable, secure, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan. "We are among the largest contributors to Afghanistan's recovery and have been so since 2001," he pointed out and added that the first international trip of Canada's newly-elected prime minister, Stephen Harper, in March this year was to Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The Canadian HC said this is clearly a region, which is on the minds of the political leaders in Canada, as well as the general public.
If Pakistan becomes an important energy and trade corridor for central Asian countries and beyond, the stability of Afghanistan becomes a crucial factor to achieve this. Peace in Afghanistan and bordering areas is essential and would benefit everyone, he added.
Collins said, "We recognise that success in the campaign against terrorism cannot be assured by military means alone. Long-term success requires a commitment to support development and improved governance."
Afghanistan is now Canada's largest bilateral recipient of development assistance. "Our total contribution now amounts to more than $650 million. We are currently disbursing some $100 million annually," he pointed out.
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