China welcomes progress in Russia-Afghan interim government ties: spokesperson

China welcomes the new development in the relations between Russia and the Afghan interim government, said a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Friday.

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks in response to a media inquiry about Russia's formal recognition of the Afghan interim government during a regular press conference.

As a traditional friend and close neighbor of Afghanistan, China always believes that Afghanistan should not be excluded from the international community, Mao said, adding that China supports the international community in enhancing engagement and exchanges with the Afghan interim government.

China encourages the Afghan interim government to actively respond to concerns of the international community, helps Afghanistan in realizing its reconstruction and development, and supports its effort in combating violence and terrorism, thus making positive contributions to regional peace, stability and prosperity, Mao said.

Regardless of the changes in Afghanistan's domestic and external situations, the diplomatic ties between China and Afghanistan have never been interrupted, Mao said.

"Since the Afghan interim government has been established, the two sides have played a positive role in keeping the normal operation of diplomatic missions in each other's country and promoting the development of bilateral ties," she added.

China will stay committed to a foreign policy of friendship toward all Afghan people and support exchanges and cooperation in various areas with Afghanistan, Mao said.