Toronto, April 15: Deepak Obhrai, Indian-origin parliamentary secretary (or minister of state) for foreign affairs and international cooperation, has been appointed a member of the Canadian parliamentary special committee on Afghanistan.

In a statement, the MP said: "I am honoured to take on this new challenge. It is also a great opportunity for me to utilise the knowledge and experience gained from my two parliamentary secretary portfolios to enrich the work of the special committee on Afghanistan.

"I very much look forward to working with my colleagues from all parties to ensure a consensual and meaningful parliamentary approach to Canada's important commitment in Afghanistan."

"Due to the leadership of the prime minister and the work done by the minister of foreign affairs, the minister of international cooperation, and other branches of the government, we have demonstrated Canada's commitment towards eradicating global terrorism and rebuilding Afghanistan," he added.

Obhrai also sits on the House of Commons committee on foreign affairs and international development.

The motion to create the committee passed with consensus last week. It was part of the motion to extend Canada's mission in Afghanistan to 2011.

The committee will meet for the duration of the mission in Afghanistan.

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