Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon said he thanked U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for a pledge to commit additional U.S. troops in southern Afghanistan during a meeting Tuesday, but indicated that more civilian personnel are needed to help the Afghan people take over responsibility for their country's security.
During a news conference after the meeting, Cannon said he outlined for Clinton what Canada's role has been in Afghanistan, and said he fully expects the two countries to work closely together in Kandahar province.
"In the light of Canada's experience in Kandahar, I also offered to share the lessons Canada has learned in Kandahar in the areas of training the Afghan National Police, border management and overall reconstruction and development work," Cannon said late Tuesday afternoon.
He also suggested the Obama administration's focus on development and diplomacy in Afghanistan may mean Canada takes on a new role in the country after its military mission ends in 2011.
Many of Canada's 2,800 troops stationed in Afghanistan are located in Kandahar province in the southern part of the country, where they face fierce resistance from Taliban fighters.
Obama has pledged an additional 30,000 U.S. soldiers to Afghanistan, but has not asked for Canada to extend its mission.
Cannon also looked ahead to a meeting of the Organization of American States in Honduras in June, which will include work in support of democracy, prosperity, security and respect of human rights in Afghanistan.
Cannon said he also spoke with Clinton about the case of Canadian Guantanamo Bay detainee Omar Khadr, in light of the Obama administration's decision to close the military prison and review the circumstances of the prisoners held there.
"Secretary Clinton gave me a brief description of where this process was probably going to lead in the coming months," Cannon said without elaborating on the issue.
Cannon and Clinton also discussed trade issues between the two countries.
During his time in Washington, Cannon also met with several members of Congress, including Representative Louise Slaughter and Howard L. Berman, chairman of the House foreign affairs committee.
Cannon said he discussed border issues with Slaughter, including keeping the border between the two countries open but secure.
The meetings came a day after Prime Minister Stephen Harper went on a media blitz in New York City to try and raise awareness about Canada south of the border.
Harper started his day on Fox News, where he touted Canada's strong banking system.
Following his interview with Fox, Harper met with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and then hosted talks with U.S. business leaders.
With files from The Canadian Press
