British and Canadian Defence Ministers meet

Dr Fox also offered his condolences on the death of Canadian soldier Corporal Brian Pinksen from injuries he received in Afghanistan.

With more than 2,800 troops in the Kandahar region of Afghanistan, Canada is one of the lead contributing nations in the International Security Assistance Force mission.

Dr Fox said:

"Mr MacKay and I had a very productive meeting here today, reaffirming the close defence ties between our two countries. Nowhere has this been demonstrated more than in southern Afghanistan where British and Canadian servicemen and women have been working together over the past few years to build security, governance and development.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all our men and women serving overseas, and the family and friends of those who have sadly lost their lives."