The Taliban are looking forward to developing a strong relationship with China, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the group, said in an exclusive interview with CGTN on Tuesday. 

"China is a very important and strong country in our neighborhood, and we have had very positive and good relations with China in the past," he said. 

"We want to make these relations even stronger and want to improve the level of mutual trust." 

China is a rapidly developing country that can support Afghanistan in the economic sector, he said, adding they are hoping for Chinese investment and exports.

"We want them to have exports to our country and help us in the development of our country. We are looking forward to good relations with them," he said. 

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has said that China, as a friendly neighbor and sincere friend of Afghanistan, always upholds a friendly policy towards the Afghan people. 

"China will continue to support peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan, and provide help for socioeconomic development in Afghanistan as our ability permits," said Zhao Lijian, a spokesman for the ministry, at a regular briefing on August 18 in Beijing.

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