Berlin, 31 March 2004

Mr. Chairman,

Development and security are complementary and reinforcing to each other. Facing poverty, security becomes weak. Without development, peace cannot last.

Just as one ancient Chinese proverb goes, "Man is the most valuable thing on earth." The same is true with the process of peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan. The most dynamic and creative factors are the fundamental interests of the people and the nation's right to development. Only when the Afghan people no longer lead a bitter life, can we say that the Bonn process and the world's efforts for peace are not futile.

Self-reliance and self-sufficiency in Afghanistan can only be realized with the support and help of the international community.

- In the reconstruction process, major role for the Afghan people should be respected, the management capacity of the Afghan Central Government should be improved, and government orders and regulations should be executed.

- The international community should fulfill its promise, and take actions to benefit every Afghan household. It goes without saying that one practical action speaks louder than a dozen declarations.

- Efforts should be made to help Afghanistan with its capacity building. Development assistance should be directed to priority projects, such as infrastructure construction, resource development and human capacity building, so as to improve the investment climate.

- The UN and the World Bank should enhance their role and coordination.

Mr. Chairman,

The Chinese people cherish deep feelings towards the Afghan people and will continue to offer a helping hand.

China, in 2002, committed 150 million USD to Afghanistan over a five-year period. 47 million USD has already been paid. This year, we will pay another 15 million USD. The rest will soon be put in place. The Chinese Government has decided to forgive all Afghan government's due debts, and signed the agreement with the Afghan government during the Conference. Other Chinese assistance will include the following:

First, in the field of politics and security, China will offer material assistance worth one million USD for the upcoming election, including tents, photocopiers and lighting equipment. China is ready to help Afghanistan with its police training and shooting range construction. Countries in this region have reached consensus for jointly combating drug dealings. China is willing to engage in the regional drug control cooperation and to provide seeds of alternative crops. We are also ready to work with Germany on the project on police reconstruction in Afghanistan.

Second, in the field of development and infrastructure construction, we are ready to provide the resource. The project of Kabul Republic Hospital contracted by China is going on smoothly, and the work on the Parwan irrigation project has got under way. If the security situation permits, China is ready to kick off the Kandahar Hospital reconstruction project.

Third, in the field of trade, investment and private enterprises, many Chinese companies have set up their offices in Afghanistan. We will continue to encourage more Chinese companies to open business there. China will earnestly implement the Declaration on Encouraging Closer Trade, Transit and Investment Cooperation Between Governments of Signatories of the Kabul Declaration on Good Neighbourly Relations. We are exploring, with other Asian countries, the possibility of economic and transport cooperation.

Fourth, in the field of human resources development, China is ready to send a delegation to Afghanistan to inspect the Ibisina School project, and help train the Afghan diplomats and professionals in other fields.

Mr. Chairman,

Let me conclude by quoting an Afghan proverb: "Determined climbers will find trails to the top of the mountain." Dear Colleagues, let us join hands and climb together to reach the top of the mountain, the mountain of lasting peace and common development for mankind.

Thank you.