Chinese President Hu Jintao welcomed President Hamid Karzai during a formal ceremony held at the Great Hall of the People. The ceremony was followed by meetings between the two Leaders and official delegations. President Hu Jintao congratulated President Karzai on his re-election and hoped relations between the two countries can enhance and trade and economic links can expand between the two neighbors.
President Hu Jintao said China highly values its friendship with Afghanistan which dates back to 55 years ago. He noted that China hopes Afghanistan would be a country enjoys peace, stability, development as well as friendship with neighboring countries. He stressed that China is willing to play an active part in the reconstruction of Afghanistan and would offer every possible support in the war on terror as a common enemy of both the countries.
Chinese President thanked President Karzai for his support of China at international forums and said China would in return extend every support it can to Afghanistan position at international level. On the issue of security, he also asked for extra measures to ensure security for the Chinese nationals working in Afghanistan.
President Karzai thanked President Hu Jintao and the Chinese government for the hospitality and said people of Afghanistan are proud to have a friend like China, who supports their country in reconstruction and development.
The President hailed Chinese investment of the Aynak Copper reserve and hoped for expanded economic ties between the two countries.
President Karzai described the role by China very important in improving economy and security of the region, for which the President proposed a trilateral cooperation mechanism to be established between Afghanistan-Pakistan and China. The Chinese President welcomed the proposal.
President Karzai also urged for a direct transport link to be established via Pamir route between the two countries.
Chinese President pledged further assistance in the areas of capacity building within afghan national institutions and training afghan army and police and to increase scholarships for Afghans.
The two leaders then witnessed the signing of three agreements of cooperation in the areas of communications, trade, counter narcotics, education, and health and tariff exemptions. |
