On January 26, 2010, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi attended a regional summit on Afghanistan in Istanbul as the special representative of Chinese President Hu Jintao and delivered a speech.

Yang said China highly appreciates Turkey's efforts in addressing the issue of Afghanistan and supports the tripartite cooperation among Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

"Over the past eight years, we have seen how the Afghan people have risen to challenges and worked unyieldingly to rebuild their country. Afghanistan has gradually recovered from the traumas of war and scored commendable achievements in institution building, economic development and external relations," Yang said. However, Yang pointed out that Afghanistan still faces many daunting challenges. Afghanistan is at a critical juncture. It should build on past achievements and strive for greater progress.

Yang said China sincerely hopes that with the hard work of the Afghan government and people and the strong support of the international community, a peaceful, stable and independent Afghanistan that enjoys development and good-neighborliness will emerge in the world.

Yang also raised suggestions on how countries in the region can help to build a new Afghanistan. China has actively supported, promoted and participated in Afghanistan's post-war peace and reconstruction effort. Looking ahead, China will continue to give support to Afghanistan within its capacity.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Iranian First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Rahimi as well as Tajikistan's Foreign Minister Hamrohon Zarifi also attended and addressed the summit which issued the Istanbul Statement.