Holiday Visit to Canadian Troops and Civilians Deployed Abroad

His Excellency thanked the troops for patrolling off the Libyan coast and for successfully contributing to the NATO mission in this region, which led to the liberation of Libya in October 2011. "The sacrifice of troops and civilians who are away from their families and friends at this time of the year is tremendous."

The Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada visited, from December 22 to 25, 2011, Canadian troops and civilians deployed in Italy and Afghanistan.

The Governor General had an opportunity to celebrate Christmas with a diverse array of Canadians.

Upon his arrival in Rome, the Governor General (right) visited the HMCS Vancouver, where he met with troops. He was joined by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence (left), and General Walt Natynczyk, Chief of the Defence Staff (center).

His Excellency spoke with Canadian Forces personnel at Camp Blackhorse in Kabul on December 25, 2011. Approximately 920 Canadian Forces personnel serve in advisory and support roles at training camps and headquarters locations primarily in the Kabul area.

The Governor General was in Kabul on December 24, 2011, to meet with His Excellency Hamid Karzai, President of Afghanistan.

During his meeting with the president of Afghanistan, the Governor General discussed Canada’s new engagement strategy in Afghanistan and to recognize Canada’s significant investments, but as well as its losses in the country to date.

(From left to right) Joined by Ms. Shelley Whiting, Chargé d'affaires at the Canadian Embassy in Kabul, His Excellency met with Dr. Suraya Dalil, acting minister of Public Health, Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, minister of Finance, and Mr. Farooq Wardak, minister of Education, to discuss Afghanistan’s future.

His Excellency also had the opportunity to celebrate Christmas with staff from the Canadian Embassy in Kabul.