At the invitation of President Hu Jintao of the People's Republic of China, President Hamid Karzai of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan participated in the 12th Meeting of the Council of State Heads of Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member Countries and visited China on 5-8 June 2012, and had a bilateral meeting with President Hu Jintao on 8 June. In a candid and friendly atmosphere, the two leaders had in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations, regional and international issues of common interest and reached broad consensus.

The two leaders reviewed the history of China-Afghanistan relations in an all-round way, and agreed that, since the establishment of diplomatic ties on 20 January 1955, the two countries have abided by the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence and treated each other with mutual respect, trust and support, deepening the traditional friendship. In 2002, Afghanistan launched its peace and reconstruction process, and a new chapter of China-Afghanistan relations has been opened since. With increasing mutual political trust and expanding cooperation, our Comprehensive and Cooperative Partnership featuring good-neighbourliness and friendship has enjoyed smooth development.

The two leaders agreed that the regional and international situation is undergoing profound and complex changes. In order to jointly tackle challenges and uphold regional peace, stability and development, the two countries should view and develop the bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective. For this purpose, the two countries decided to establish the China-Afghanistan Strategic and Cooperative Partnership,and assigned their respective Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take lead in formulating an action plan for implementing the China-Afghanistan Strategic and Cooperative Partnership.

As for the content and basic principles of this Strategic and Cooperative Partnership, the People's Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (hereinafter referred to as the "two sides") hereby state as follows:

1. The two sides would like to establish China-Afghanistan Strategic and Cooperative Partnership on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, in line with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and widely recognized norms of international laws, as well as the basic principles for bilateral relations enshrined in the Treaty of Good-neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation Between the People's Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan signed in 2006 and other bilateral documents.

The two sides agreed that the Strategic and Cooperative Partnership will be an enduring and comprehensive relationship between the two nations which will serve the fundamental interests of two countries and peoples, facilitate the efforts to consolidate the traditional friendship of the two countries, expand cooperation in various fields, including political, economic, cultural and security. The China-Afghanistan Strategic and Cooperative Partnership will also contribute to the peace, stability and development in the region and beyond.

2. The two sides agreed that their cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and security fields, as well as on regional and international affairs, are the five pillars that will underpin the China-Afghanistan Strategic and Cooperative Partnership.

3. The two sides believed that high-level exchanges are of special significance to the growth of the bilateral relations and political mutual trust is the foundation of the China-Afghanistan relations. The two sides will actively promote the exchanges between their leaders, including arranging meetings between the leaders on the sidelines of international and multilateral occasions, where they will be able to exchange views on the bilateral relations and major international and regional issues and enhance strategic communications. The two sides will further promote the exchanges and cooperation between the two governments, legislatures and political parties, with a view to increasing mutual understanding and trust.

The two sides have undertaken to firmly support each other on issues concerning national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and not allow their respective territory to be used for any activities targeted against the other side. The Afghan side reaffirmed that it is committed to the one-China policy, and that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole China. It expressed its firm support for China's positions on the Taiwan, Tibet-related, Xinjiang-related and other major issues concerning China's core interests. The Chinese side reaffirmed its commitment to respect Afghanistan's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity, and reiterate its respect for Afghan people's choice of development path suited to their national conditions, and its support for the national reconciliation process in Afghanistan. The Chinese side believes that, with the determination of the Afghan people,as well as support and cooperation from its regional and international partners, Afghanistan will achieve peace, stability and development at an early date.

4. The two sides agreed that, on the basis of the Agreement Between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on Trade and Economic Cooperation signed in 2006, they will continue to explore new channels and methods to expand bilateral trade and investment and deepen economic cooperation. The two sides agreed to continually strengthen the pragmatic cooperation in such fields as resources and energy development, infrastructure development, engineering and agriculture. The Chinese side reaffirmed its support for the peaceful reconstruction process in Afghanistan. It will as always provide assistance to Afghanistan within the realm of its capabilities, and continue to encourage capable Chinese enterprises to participate in the construction and development of Afghanistan. The Chinese side announced that the Chinese government will provide 150 million RMB grant to the Afghan government during 2012. The Afghan side appreciated China's selfless assistance for Afghan peace and reconstruction over the years, and thanked the Chinese side for the new pledge of assistance.

5. The two sides pointed out that China and Afghanistan have a long history of friendly exchanges and traditional friendship. The people-to-people exchanges enjoy sound foundation and are of great significance. The two sides will work vigorously to promote exchanges and cooperation in the cultural, educational, health, media and other fields, carry out people-to-people exchanges in various forms to further enhance understanding and friendship between the two peoples. The two sides will create favorable conditions for deepening and expanding the above-mentioned exchanges and cooperation. The Chinese side will continue to train the Afghan technical personnel, provide opportunities, including government-sponsored scholarships, to more Afghan youths to study in China, in an effort to support the development of Afghanistan.

6. The two sides expressed strong rejection of all forms of terrorism, extremism, separatism and organized crimes. The two sides agree to intensify exchanges and cooperation in security by way of jointly combating such transnational threats as terrorism, illegal immigration, illegal arms and drug trafficking, and enhancing intelligence exchanges and border management. The two sides will also strengthen cooperation in prevention of infectious diseases, disaster prevention and reduction, and other non-traditional security areas. The Chinese side firmly supports Afghanistan's efforts in combating terrorism and drug trafficking and safeguarding national stability,and calls on the international community to support this cause. The Afghan side reiterated its continued and firm support for China in combating the "three forces" of terrorism, extremism and separatism. It will take tangible measures to enhance the security of Chinese insitutions and people in Afghanistan.

7. The two sides pointed out that facing the profound and complex changes in regional and international situation, China and Afghanistan will enhance coordination and cooperation under the United Nations and other multilateral frameworks, stay in contacts and coordinate positions on major regional and international issues. The two sides will further the coordination and cooperation in SARRC. The Chinese side welcomes a bigger role played by Afghanistan in the SCO, including in its new role as an observer country, supports Afghanistan's efforts in improving and developing its relations with regional countries. The two sides also emphasise their commitment to countinue their cooperation within the Istanbul Process,which helps build confidence at the regional level in support of peace, stability and development in Afghanistan and the regional as a whole.

8. The establishment of China-Afghanistan Strategic and Cooperative Partnership is aimed to further deepen the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Both sides will fully respect and accommodate regional countries' reasonable concerns and interests, and work to promote regional peace, stability and development. This Partnership is not directed against any third party.

9. President Hamid Karzai expressed appreciation for President Hu Jintao's invitation for him to participate in the 12th Meeting of the Council of State Heads of SCO Member Countries and visit China and congratulated China on the success of the meeting.

Beijing, 8 June 2012