ISLAMABAD (January 2009): The Canadian government has decided to double Canadian International Development Agency (Cida) assistance for Pakistan to 60 million Canadian dollars, mainly for local government, basic healthcare for girls and primary education. In addition, Canada will also support projects under the Friends of Pakistan Forum.
This was stated by Canadian Federal Minister for Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney during a meeting with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. The escalating tension between Pakistan and India aroused after the Mumbai attacks also came under discussion.
The Canadian Minister expressed the hope that both Pakistan and India would be able to overcome the current tensions and resolve their differences peacefully. Besides, the two ministers also discussed various aspects of Pakistan-Canada bilateral relations with particular reference to immigration issues, employment of Pakistani manpower in Canada, investment in Pakistan, the role of Pakistani community in Canada,
regional situation and other issues of mutual interest.
Qureshi appreciated the continued Canadian assistance to Pakistan for human resource development and capacity building. He also appreciated co-operation between the two countries for improving border management between Pakistan and Afghanistan.