Afghanistan and Pakistan

I believe the Afghan Government and people have made important headway in promoting the peace and reconstruction process in their country. At the same time, it is true that Afghanistan is facing a series of domestic problems such as drug trafficking and terrorism. China supports the Afghan Government in its efforts to promote peace, security and stability in Afghanistan. Within our capabilities, we have provided condition-free assistance of various types to Afghanistan. For example, we have helped Afghanistan to build hospitals and water conservancy projects. We have also trained professionals in various fields for Afghanistan.

Not long ago, representatives of the Chinese government attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)'s Moscow international conference on the issue of Afghanistan. I attended relevant international conferences on Afghanistan in Turkey and London. I should point out that during the conferences, I had the honour of having a conversation with President Hamid Karzai and the Afghan foreign minister and security adviser. They all spoke highly of China's position on Afghanistan and China's assistance to their country.

Representatives of many countries at the conferences were of the view that military means do not offer a fundamental solution to the Afghanistan issue. Many countries including China shared the view that the international community should give full support to efforts made by the Afghan Government and people. We believe that eventually Afghanistan will be a peaceful, stable and independent country enjoying development and progress and living in harmony with its neighbours.

I believe the SCO and its member states will continue to follow the situation in Afghanistan. There are still some uncertainties in the situation at present. I believe the SCO and its member states will continue to support efforts made by the Afghan Government and people. The UN Security Council plays an important role in addressing the Afghanistan issue. We hope the UN Security Council will continue to play its constructive role in this regard. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China will continue to play its part to that end.

I believe the government of Pakistan has effective control over the situation in the country. China and Pakistan will continue to expand practical cooperation in various fields on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, and China will continue to support the stability, development and prosperity of Pakistan.