Recently named as Canada’s first-ever special envoy to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, colleagues describe Arif Lalani, Canada’s current ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, as the face of a changing Canada.
Of Indian descent, Mr. Lalani was born in Uganda about five years before Idi Amin’s brutal 1971 coup. His family was among the community of Ismaili Muslims made to pack their bags. After being flown to Montreal, they moved to Cambridge, Ont., where Mr. Lalani spent his childhood. In 1982, the Lalani family moved to East Vancouver, according to media reports.
With a degree in international relations from the University of British Columbia under his belt, he joined Canada’s foreign service in 1991. His rapid rise up the ranks has included postings at the United Nations and in Washington. He was ambassador to Jordan with concurrent responsibility for Iraq, and then Afghanistan.
Having been described as a rising star in the Canadian diplomatic world after crafting a high profile during his Afghan posting, colleagues say he is now a key player in Canadian foreign policy especially in the Middle East.
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Published: Wednesday, 07/03/2013 12:00 am EDT
Last Updated: Wednesday, 07/03/2013 9:04 am EDT
Ismailimail 