The government of Afghanistan backs the territorial integrity and sovereignty of China, said a statement of the Afghan Foreign Ministry released on Wednesday.

"The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan supports and defends the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the People's Republic of China," the statement said.

It said Afghanistan is monitoring the recent development in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and believes China can deal with the issue in accordance with its national interests.

"Afghanistan is committed to non-interference in the internal affairs of the People's Republic of China and supports the Chinese government's efforts in war against terrorists and separatists," said the statement.

"Afghanistan supports a strong, progressive and stable China and would continue its friendly relations based on mutual respect and cooperation with China which is a good neighbor," it said.

At least 156 people were killed during a riot Sunday evening in Urumqi, the capital city of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in northwest China. More than 1,000 others were injured.

Police in Xinjiang have said they have evidence to prove that the separatist World Uyghur Congress led by Rebiya Kadeer masterminded the riot.

(Xinhua News Agency July 8, 2009)