The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, today announced the appointment of Arif Lalani as Canada’s Ambassador to Afghanistan. This appointment is effective immediately.
“Mr. Lalani brings a wealth of experience and a track record of leadership to his new post, and will ensure that Canada continues to make an important contribution to helping the government and people of Afghanistan rebuild their country,” said Minister MacKay.
Mr. Lalani succeeds David Sproule. Minister MacKay thanked Mr. Sproule for his outstanding dedication as Canada’s Ambassador to Afghanistan since 2005, and wished him continued success in his next assignment. Mr. Sproule will serve in an advisory capacity to the Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Interdepartmental Coordinator for Afghanistan, drawing upon his considerable in-country experience and understanding of Canada’s integrated approach in Afghanistan.
In addition to making the Head of Mission position in Kabul one of Canada’s most senior diplomatic assignments, Canada’s diplomatic and development presence in the country is also being increased. The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and the Canadian International Development Agency are preparing to deploy additional personnel to Afghanistan in the coming months.
Canada, along with 36 other nations, is in Afghanistan at the request of the democratically elected Government of Afghanistan, and is part of the UN-sanctioned mission, led by NATO, to help build a stable, democratic and self-sufficient society.
– – –
A biographical note is attached.
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE
Arif Lalani (BA [International Relations], University of British Columbia, 1989) joined the Department of External Affairs and International Trade in 1991. He was most recently Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and Iraq, in Amman. He has served abroad in Ankara (with accreditation to Georgia and Azerbaijan), New York (at the United Nations as Alternate Permanent Representative to the Security Council) and in Washington, D.C.
In Ottawa, assignments have included work in the Office of the Senior Advisor for the Middle East Peace Process and as Coordinator for the Balkans in the Southern Europe Division. In 2003, he was appointed Director, South Asia Division, which included responsibility for Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan. He served as Acting Director General, Asia South and Pacific Bureau, prior to appointment to his role in Amman in 2006.
Mr. Lalani is a recipient of the Minister’s Award for Excellence for his work with the UN Security Council and of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for outstanding service to Canada and Canadians. Arif Lalani succeeds David Sproule.
Ismailimail 
Wow! That is an extremely important and difficult post. Congratulations are in order!
It is important to note that being still in his 30’s, Ambassador Lalani is the youngest of all Canadian ambassadors. It will be interesting to see how his career unfolds, already having been ambassador to Jordan with jurisdiction over Iraq, and now being ambassador to Afghanistan. Amazing!!
LikeLike
MASHALLAH,
We as a Ismaili are really proud of Mr. Arif Lalani’s hard work, ambitions & all efforts. Keep it up we all pray for your success in up coming days, months & years ahead in your life. We all pray for your success in coming days. May Mawla Bless you & fullfill all your good wishes. (Ameen).
LikeLike
Congratulations Mr. Lalani! As an Afghan Ismaili, I am very proud of your appointment. I wish you all the best in your post. Having graduated from U of T with Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, I too would like to serve my countries (Afghanistan and Canada) in that office someday, Inshallah.
LikeLike
YAM
This is what im proud of as an ismaili.
and as an Afghan residing in Kabul, im deeply happy one of my Spritual brothers came across the ocassions to serve my country.
i am proud of him.
i would like tro meet Mr. Ambassador some time in my Life.
he’s DONE GREATE JOB!!!!!!!
i wish him Success in his career.
LikeLike
Congratulation
This is a great news for all of us. Insha Allah ,Mr.Lalani will be an ideal ambassador for that region.He is young ,energatic and a motivated Canadian, who believes to serve human beings around the world.I am sure he will use his diplomatic exprience and work for the development of the region.It is a challenge, but a person who belives on volunteerism will prove it. As a chilrali, who lives in Canada, hopes that one day Afghanistan will follow Canada.
We all pray for your success.
May God give you courage to keep helping the government of Afghanistan and the people of Afghanistan to rebuild their country.
LikeLike
Congratulations! Very proud to see that one of us being successful. May Allah give you the maximum strength and courage to complete your mission and carry out your tasks succesfully.
LikeLike
I wish you happiness, good health, prosperity and I am pray that my Mawla Help you to be success in up coming days and your daily life and have good luck.
LikeLike
Y.A.M I got really happy and proud after getting aware of appointment of embassador in my country (afg). I hope more and more success for all our jamat especially i pray for all jamat of afghanistan, iran and other countries.
I not only expect Mr. arif Lalani but also every individule who reach to a considerable position to serve his people apart from considering the borders of countries and nationalities.
LikeLike
Congratulation!
As an Afghan-Canadian, I am very delighted to see another Canadian as the new Canadian ambassador to Kabul, Afghanistan. I am proud of Mr. Arif Lalani for his accomplishments and his efforts in the various foreign positions that he has held so for. His successes belong to two nations, Afghanistan and Canada. I hope to see more educated Afghans abroad to participate in Afghanistan’s political front. I wish Mr. Lalani all the success for bringing a common understanding between the two nations, Canada and Afghanistan.
I would like to see a direct involvement of the Canadian government through Mr. Lalani in Afghanistan government where we can implement the rule of law and get rid of corruption.
Once again, congratulation to Mr. Lalani and wish him all the best!
Regards
Najib Shams
LikeLike
Hello,
Mr.Lalani Congratulations very much I am very proud of your achievement. I am not an Ismali but I am from kabul Afghanistan and very proud!
LikeLike