China's vice president pledges support in Afghanistan visit

Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao and Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani attend a reception marking the 60th anniversary of China-Afghanistan diplomatic ties in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Nov. 3, 2015.   [Photo/Xinhua]

KABUL - Visiting Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao met Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah here Tuesday, pledging that China will continue to play a constructive role in the country's reconciliation process.

During the meeting, Li conveyed Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's goodwill message to the Afghan chief executive.

Li said China and Afghanistan should accelerate practical cooperation in fields of economy and trade, security, and people-to-people exchanges.

"China will provide more scholarships to Afghan students to get training in health service and agriculture in China," Li said, calling on both sides to take steps to facilitate the people-to-people exchanges.

Li also said China supports the peace and reconciliation process in the country and will continue to play a constructive role in this regard.

He also call on both sides to join hands in fighting against terrorism and extremism.

Abdullah, for his part, said Afghanistan-China ties are based on mutual respect and good- neighborly friendship, and his country appreciates China's firm support for its stability and economic development.

"Afghanistan would enhance ties with China and welcomes China's consistent assistance to Afghanistan's stability, independence, sovereignty and prosperity," said the Afghan chief executive.

The Chinese vice president paid a one-day official visit to Kabul. During his stay here, he also met with Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and former President Hamid Karzai.