China willing to facilitate Afghanistan in smooth transition

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) meets with his Afghan counterpart Zulmai Rasoul during the 68th United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, Sept. 25, 2013. (Xinhua/Jun Zhang)

China is ready to play a constructive role in achieving Afghanistan's smooth transition, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said while meeting his Afghan counterpart Zulmai Rasoul Wednesday at UN Headquarters in New York.

Wang said the Chinese government highly values its relationship with Afghanistan, and firmly supports Afghanistan's efforts in safeguarding independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

China supports peace-building and reconstruction in Afghanistan, and supports the national reconciliation led by Afghanistan to achieve peace and stability in the country, Wang added.

Rasoul lauded China as a true and reliable friend of Afghanistan, for giving a helping hand when his country was faced with a hard situation.

Afghanistan is expected to experience military, political and economic transition in the next year, Rasoul said, and China can be actively involved in it.