Wang Yi: China supports Afghanistan in combating terrorism, achieving long-term stability

China will continue to support the Afghan government in resolutely combating terrorism, and achieving long-term peace and stability at an early date, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Beijing.

Wang said China respects Afghanistan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the independent choice made by the Afghan people.

China also never interferes in Afghanistan's internal affairs, never seeks personal gains in Afghanistan, and never seeks a sphere of influence, he added.

China is ready to work with Afghanistan to carry forward traditional friendship, enhance political mutual trust, and deepen practical cooperation, aiming to better benefit the two countries and their peoples, and contribute to regional peace and stability, said Wang.

He said China will expand cooperation with Afghanistan in areas including trade, agriculture, energy and mining, poverty reduction, disaster prevention and reduction, talent training, health care, law enforcement and security, calling for importing more quality products from Afghanistan and continuing to provide support and assistance for its reconstruction and development.

Muttaqi said the Afghan government attaches great importance to its friendship with China, pledging to continue to adhere to the one-China principle and oppose interference in China's internal affairs.

Afghanistan will never allow any force to use Afghan territory to engage in activities that endanger China, Muttaqi said, calling for strengthening security cooperation with China, cracking down on violent crimes, and safeguarding China's interests in Afghanistan.