Canada has replaced its ambassador to Afghanistan, David Sproule, with Arif Lalani, Minister of Foreign Affairs Peter MacKay announced Thursday.
Lalani was most recently Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and Iraq, in Amman.
"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 MacKay.
MacKay thanked Sproule for his dedication as Canada's Ambassador to Afghanistan since 2005, and wished him continued success in his next assignment.
Sproule will serve in an advisory capacity to the Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Interdepartmental Coordinator for Afghanistan, drawing upon his in-country experience.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade along with the Canadian International Development Agency are preparing to deploy additional personnel to Afghanistan in the coming months.
