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Xi: China attaches importance to Afghan reconstruction

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-04-09 22:26

BOAO, Hainan - Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping on Friday said China attaches great importance to and actively participates in Afghanistan's peaceful reconstruction.

Xi made the remarks while meeting with Afghan Second Vice President Mohammad Karim Khalili on the sidelines of the annual meeting of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) in Boao, a resort town in China's southernmost Hainan Province.

Xi said China and Afghanistan have always abided by the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence since they forged diplomatic ties 55 years ago.

"The Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Good-neighborly Relations between China and Afghanistan, signed in 2006, marked the start of a new phase in the development of bilateral relations," Xi said.

During Afghan President Hamid Karzai's visit to China last month, the two countries clarified the orientation of the future development of bilateral relations, Xi added.

Xi expressed appreciation for Afghanistan's support on issues concerning China's core interests.

Xi said China is willing to work with the international community to help with the country's economic and social development.

Praising China as a great nation, Khalili said his country is ready to enhance political relations and expand cooperation with China in the areas of economy and trade, investment and cultural exchange.

Afghanistan is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China in regional affairs, including jointly cracking down on terrorism and other regional challenges, Khalili said.