OTTAWA — The Canadian embassy in Afghanistan is up and running, the federal government announced Wednesday, as Canadian troops finalized preparations for their peacekeeping mission in Kabul.

The announcement follows the July 31 appointment of Christopher Alexander as ambassador.

"The embassy in Kabul is a timely contribution to Canada's stabilization and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan, and will provide valuable consular support to the growing number of Canadians assisting on the ground,'' Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham said in a news release.

"A firm diplomatic presence is important in enabling us to work closely with our Afghan partners, as well as the resident international community, to ensure that the country doesn't again become a haven for terrorists.'' The Canadian government has committed two six-month rotations of 1,800 soldiers apiece, beginning patrols in Kabul on Aug. 21.

The Canadians are part of the 29-country International Security Assistance Force, charged with protecting the fragile interim government of Hamid Karzai and rooting out Taliban, al-Qaida and other resistance forces from Afghanistan.

In addition to soldiers, there are many Canadian police, experts and aid workers helping with reconstruction.

Graham stressed that every effort is being made to ensure the safety of embassy workers given the unstable security situation in the country. A full diplomatic staff is expected to be in place by the end of the month.

In March, Canada pledged $250 million to the reconstruction of Afghanistan.