Canada is committed to triumphing over terrorism in Afghanistan even if it takes longer than originally planned, Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay declared Wednesday as he wrapped up his two-day surprise visit to the war-torn nation.

MacKay arrived Tuesday in the violence-wracked nation, where he is seeking to assure Canadian troops and Afghan officials that the government is behind the mission.

After meeting on Wednesday with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Foreign Minister Rangeen Spanta, MacKay acknowledged he's returning to Canada having recognized there is a need for a longer-term commitment.

"We recognize that it is going to take perhaps a longer period of time than was first envisioned, and we are committed to the completion and the result of the work we have undertaken," MacKay told reporters.

"There is a great sense of common purpose and goals to be achieved here, in the areas of democracy, in the areas of combating terrorism and all that flows from terrorism," he said at a news conference.

He also said it's also in Canada's interest to work closely with Afghanistan.

"While Canada continues to have an abiding interest in stability and peace here in Afghanistan, we also realize that no country is immune from the reach of terrorism," he said. "So it is very much in our interest to work closely with Afghanistan, with our international partners in building a stable and generous country," he said.

MacKay told reporters that he and Afghan officials had agreed there was a need for a "longer-term plan and commitment" although they did not discuss timeframes.

Canada's commitment of troops to Afghanistan runs out in February 2007.

Earlier in the day, MacKay visited a vocational school that is funded with foreign aid, including $13,500 from the Canadian International Development Agency.

The Aschiana School, one of six in Afghanistan, teaches about 100 children from age six to 18 in subjects ranging from reading and writing to health and English.

"This is where street kids can come and learn English, they learn hygiene, they learn embroidery, plumbing, hair dressing, other skills that help keep them off the streets," CTV's Janis Mackey Frayer reported from Afghanistan.

"What aid workers hope is that these sort of projects will be what helps build a better Afghanistan."

The problem, though, is that these projects are virtually impossible to implement in the volatile south, where there are reports insurgency groups are intensifying their roadside bombing and suicide attacks.

"Too dangerous for children and workers. We still have elements down there that would be totally against us," said Sigrid De Jong, acting director of the school.

Still, MacKay rejected the suggestion that increased violence suggests the Taliban are gaining ground.

"I would disagree that things are unstable in the south," he said. "You're going to see more insurgents at various times. It will ebb and flow like the tide."

MacKay suggested that the reason there have been more attacks in recent weeks is that coalition forces are moving into areas once dominated by the Taliban.

"Sometimes the increase in insurgency is the recognition that the Taliban may be on the run and we are moving into territories that they are feeling more threatened," MacKay said.

In Parliament

Later on Wednesday, Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe asked Harper whether there would be a vote before deciding if Canada's mandate in Afghanistan would be extended.

"Does the prime minister wish to say to the House that Canada's commitment to Afghanistan will be conditional on the holding of a debate and a vote in the house?" Duceppe asked Harper during question period on Wednesday.

Harper renewed his commitment to the mission but was vague on any extensions.

"We are already in Afghanistan -- this is not a new commitment and this is a very important mission. I hope that the Bloc Quebecois will support us and our troops in the future as they have in the past," Harper said in French.

With a report from CTV's Janis Mackey Frayer