Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo(R) shakes hands with visiting Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Beijing on March 25, 2010. (Xinhua Photo)
BEIJING, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Thursday concluded a three-day state visit to China during which deals on aid, tax reduction and training were inked to cement bilateral comprehensive cooperation.
In his meeting with top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo on Thursday afternoon, Karzai said his country hopes to further expand cooperation with China in the areas of politics, trade, defense and education, and enhance coordination on regional and global issues.
Wu, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, told Karzai China always respects Afghanistan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and supports the country's efforts for national stability and development.
Hailing the progress of bilateral ties since the establishment of diplomatic ties 55 years ago, Wu said China hopes to push forward all-round cooperative partnership with the country and hopes the two countries to stay as good neighbors, good friends and good partners forever.
Wu appreciated Afghanistan's support for China on the Taiwan issue and also the issues regarding Tibet and Xinjiang.
Karzai said currently Afghanistan-China relations are at the best period of time in the history, adding his country is committed to strengthening good-neighborly ties with China.
Premier Wen Jiabao told Karzai in their meeting that China will continuously provide assistance and aid to Afghanistan and pledged to enhance security and economic cooperation.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) shakes hands with visiting Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Beijing on March 25, 2010. (Xinhua Photo)
Wen asked the two countries to further respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, enhance mutual trust and consultation on an equal basis.
He suggested the two states promote economic development, improve the people's livelihood, realize fare and justice in society.
Wen noted the two countries should win over and unite the people, and isolate the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism, and to strengthen the crackdown on cross-border crimes.
"China will step up contact and coordination with Afghanistan and the international society to strive for a secure and harmonious regional environment, push for lasting peace and common development," Wen said.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, China reiterated its support for the peaceful reconstruction in Afghanistan.
The two sides also agreed to expand economic cooperation and trade, increase mutual investment and technology transfer, and deepen cooperation in areas of transportation, agriculture and irrigation, energy, mining and infrastructure, according to the statement.
It was Karzai's fourth visit to China as Afghan president. A high ranking delegation including leading ministers and 20 businessmen, are accompanying him in his China trip.
BEIJING, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The state visit by Afghan President Hamid Karzai to China would definitely advance practical cooperation and lift the two countries' comprehensive partnership to new levels, Chinese President Hu Jintao said Wednesday.
President Hu held talks with Karzai in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Wednesday afternoon.
Hu described Karzai as an old friend who had made great contributions to the friendship between the two countries. Full story
Profile: Afghan President Hamid Karzai
BEIJING, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai will start a three-day state visit to China on Tuesday at the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao.
Karzai, 53, was picked as leader of the Afghan Interim Authority in December 2001 and was elected president of a transitional government in June 2002.