Vice President Zeng
Qinghong said on Monday afternoon that the government will help
Afghanistan train professional personnel in fields such as
diplomacy and economics.
"China is a successful nation in developing its economy and it
would be a huge contribution to the rebuilding of Afghanistan for
it to extend its experience and pave the way for our fast
recovery," said Abdul Karim Khalili, the visiting Afghan Vice
President.
Zeng, meeting with Khalili in the Great Hall of the People in
Beijing, said China is ready to push forward bilateral relations as
the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic
ties.
Khalili said
Afghanistan and China have maintained sound momentum in the
development of cooperation in such fields as politics, economy and
culture. He said the two countries should take the opportunity of
the anniversary to further promote cooperation on all fronts,
including economy, trade, security, agriculture and education.
Zeng said China supports Afghanistan's efforts to maintain
internal stability and develop its political system. He said China
will continue to actively take part in its economic reconstruction
and step up trade and economic cooperation.
After the talks, Zeng and Khalili attended the signing ceremony
of a number of bilateral documents, including the Sino-Afghan
Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement. They also
unveiled a silk-made stamp to commemorate the anniversary.
Khalili had arrived at noon after attending the Boao Forum for
Asia in Hainan,
China's southernmost province.
This is his first visit to China, and he will also hold talks
with State Councilor Tang
Jiaxuan before leaving on Tuesday.
At the Boao Forum for Asia, Khalili met with Jia
Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese
People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC),
China's top advisory body.
Prior to his tour, Khalili told Xinhua News Agency that he hoped
China would expand and enhance cooperation with Afghanistan,
especially in the economy.
The Hazara minority leader, who fought against the former Soviet
Union and later on helped the US military to oust the Taliban
regime in late 2001, was sworn in as second vice president of the
Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in December 2004.
(Xinhua News Agency April 26, 2005)