Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong held talks with visiting Afghan Vice President Abdul Karim Khalili at the Great Hall of the People on April 25, 2005.

Zeng Qinghong made a positive comment on the development of China-Afghanistan relationship. He said that this year is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Afghanistan. Since then, the two countries and people respect, trust and support each other and the friendly relationship between the two countries has been growing in a sustained manner, with mutually beneficial cooperation continuously deepened. The Chinese side appreciates the support of Afghanistan on such issues of Taiwan, Tibet, and human rights. The Chinese side gives top priority to developing the cooperative relations of neighborly friendliness with Afghanistan and is willing to take the opportunity of the 50th anniversary to further such relationship.

Zeng Qinghong noted that the Chinese side supports the efforts of Afghanistan to maintain domestic stability and improve the national political system and will continue the active participation in the economic reconstruction of Afghanistan in a bid to strengthen the economic and trade cooperation with Afghanistan. The Chinese government will assist the Afghan government in training some professionals in the fields of diplomacy and economy.

Khalili said that Afghan and China are close neighbors and have endured the same historical hardships. The two people have established profound friendship during the long-term exchanges. China has unswervingly supported Afghanistan in restoring peace at such hard time when Afghanistan was suffering from a war. Afghanistan is proud to have such a neighbor as China.

Khalili said that Afghanistan and China enjoy a good momentum of cooperation in the fields of politics, economy, culture, and etc. the Afghan side appreciates China for the generous support to the national construction of Afghanistan and is eager to learn from the successful experience of China in the economic construction. He hoped that both sides could take the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties to further the comprehensive cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, security, agriculture, and education.

Khalili said that Afghan supports the grand cause of China's reunification and will firmly adhere to one-China policy.

Following the talks, Zeng Qinghong and Khalili attended the signing ceremony of several documents including China-Afghanistan Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement and unveiled the curtain of Silk-Themed Stamps printed by the Chinese side for Afghan Post in the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Afghanistan.

After attending the Annual Meeting of Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan, Khalili paid a visit to China as the guest of Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong