On June 8, 2017 local time, President Xi Jinping met with President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan in Astana.

Xi Jinping stressed that China-Afghanistan relations maintain a sound development momentum. The two countries have intensified exchanges at all levels, deepened cooperation in such areas as economy, trade and people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and made positive progress in the joint construction of the “Belt and Road”. Both sides should make use of the role of high-level exchanges in leading bilateral relations, and enhance bilateral exchanges and mutual visits at all levels. The two sides should actively implement the practical cooperation agreements including the Memorandum of Understanding on Jointly Promoting the Construction of the “Belt and Road” between China and Afghanistan, deepen practical cooperation within the “Belt and Road” framework, and steadily push forward China-Afghanistan connectivity projects. Cooperation in anti-terrorism and security should be strengthened. Supporting the Afghan government’s efforts in safeguarding domestic security, China is willing to continuously help Afghanistan reinforce its relevant capacity building.

Xi Jinping pointed out that China firmly upholds the friendly policy towards Afghanistan, and will play a constructive role in advancing Afghanistan’s peaceful reconstruction and reconciliation process. China supports Afghanistan in playing a greater role in promoting the regional economic integration and connectivity.

Mohammad Ashraf Ghani expressed that Afghanistan cherishes its friendly relations with China, thanks China for its support in the country’s peaceful reconstruction and reconciliation process, and highly cherishes China’s important role in international and regional affairs. The Afghan side is committed to strengthening cooperation with China in economy, trade, security and other fields. Highly appraising the “Belt and Road” initiative, the country looks forward to aligning its self-development with the “Belt and Road” construction, and actively participating in cooperation in such areas as transportation and connectivity.

Wang Huning, Li Zhanshu, Yang Jiechi and others attended the meeting.