China, Afghanistan issue joint statement reaffirming mutual support

China and Afghanistan issued a joint statement here on Wednesday, in which the two sides reaffirmed support to each other in areas of common interests.

The joint statement was issued amid the official visit of Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah from May 15 to 18, at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Both sides undertook to firmly support each other on state sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and stressed on mutual respect and cooperation, with special emphasis on mutual understanding and support in areas of common interest, the joint statement said.

The Afghan side reaffirmed its commitment to the one China policy and firm support for China's positions on issues related to Taiwan, Tibet, and Xinjiang and stated that Afghanistan would not allow its territory to be used by any forces for any separatist activities against China.

The Chinese side expressed its appreciation for Afghanistan's support on issues concerning China's core interests and stated that China would respect and support the Afghan people' s national struggle for peace, stability and economic prosperity, and their choice of development path in line with their national conditions.0 The Chinese side introduced the latest developments in the South China Sea and China's position. The two sides call on the countries concerned to resolve territory and maritime disputes and differences through friendly consultations and negotiations in accordance with bilateral agreements and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). Both sides stressed that the right to settle disputes by the means of their own choice by the sovereign states and the State Parties of UNCLOS should be respected, the joint statement said.

The Chinese side firmly supports the Afghan national unity government in its governance and realization of political, economic and security transformation in Afghanistan. The Chinese side firmly supports the broad-based and inclusive peace and reconciliation process which is "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned" and hopes to see early realization of lasting peace, stability and development in Afghanistan, towards which it will render all possible moral and practical assistance and support.

Under bilateral and multilateral mechanisms like the Quadrilateral Coordination Group, the Chinese side will support Afghanistan and play its constructive role and encourage the international community and the countries in the region for their full cooperation to create favorable conditions for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.

The Chinese side calls on all Afghan armed opposition groups to participate in the reconciliation process with Afghan Government, in order to put an end to the ongoing violence and usher in lasting peace in the country. The Afghan side appreciates and welcomes the constructive role of China in Afghanistan's peace and reconciliation efforts.

According to the joint statement, in 2016, the Chinese government will provide 500 million yuan of aid gratis to the Afghan government for the mutually agreed projects. China will implement the Kabul University main building and auditorium project and provide Afghanistan with approximately 50 million yuan of non-emergency humanitarian aid in kind. China will also support Afghanistan in capacity building and continue to provide training programs for Afghan professionals in various fields in line with the needs of Afghanistan.

The two sides agreed to expand and deepen bilateral commercial and investment cooperation. The Chinese side will encourage and support capable Chinese enterprises to invest in Afghanistan and carry out information, communications and other infrastructure projects. The Afghan side will provide necessary facilitation for Chinese enterprises making investment in Afghanistan and ensure the safety of the relevant projects and personnel in accordance with laws and regulations of Afghanistan.

The competent authorities of the two sides will cooperate and step up work to complete the access protocol for Afghan saffron, the access assessment for pine nuts, pomegranate and realize the export of these products to China at an early date, and work on facilitating the export of other fresh and dry fruits to China in the future.

China will continue to strongly support Afghanistan's efforts in regional cooperation and integration in line with its position as a natural land bridge and roundabout in the Heart of Asia region. China welcomes the active participation of Afghanistan in the Silk Road Economic Belt initiative, proposed by China.

Both sides agreed to strengthen information and communications connectivity, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in cultural and educational fields.

The two sides agreed to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the security field. The Afghan side reaffirmed its strong support to China in combating the "the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement" and undermining groups supporting its activities, and pledged to take concrete measures to ensure the security of Chinese institutions and nationals in Afghanistan.

Both sides will strengthen coordination and cooperation under international and regional mechanisms, maintain communication and coordinate their positions on major international and regional issues, and enhance communication and coordination under multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations.

The Chinese side supports the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in playing a positive role in peace and development of Afghanistan. Afghanistan expressed its hope to become a formal member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank at an early date, which China values and welcomes. Endi