At the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Afghanistan’s Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah will pay an official visit to China from Sunday to Wednesday. Earlier, he told us in an interview that he is looking forward to more cooperation between China and Afghanistan. And he has also highly values Chinese President Xi Jinping's 'Belt and Road' initiative.

"The visit of President Ghani to China last year and my upcoming official visit to China will be the two. Also the visit of senior Chinese leaders to Afghanistan in the interactions that we had during different conferences and occasions, including Shanghai Cooperation Organization. These were the highlights of interactions between leaders of both countries where different areas of bilateral cooperation, including economic cooperation and security situation, have been discussed, and lots of progress have been made in this regard," Abdullah said.

Abdullah also spoke highly of China's 'Belt and Road' initiative.

He said it can strengthen the interaction and cooperation between China and Afghanistan.

And he also looks forward to more significant opportunities for the development of Afghanistan at the same time.

"We welcome the vision of President Xi Jinping in terms of 'Belt and Road' - One Belt and One Road - that gives connectivity, interaction, that means better communications, mutual cooperation. Afghanistan, historically, has been a part of the historic silk road. But in the 21st century, with the new global situation in conditions that we are all in, it is important to see what else could be done. This is an important initiative. During my visit, an MOU will be signed on how, based on our mutual respect, mutual interest, for the promotion of connectivity, interactions, communications, and economic, in cooperation," Abdullah said.

On April 19, Taliban militants launched a terrorist attack in downtown Kabul, which killed at least 64.

In terms of ant-terrorism efforts, Abdullah said the worsening security situation has forced the government to make long-term plans.

However, he still stressed the government would keep the door open for talks and negotiations ...

"That’s I think there is nothing new as far as Afghanistan, nothing is especial, or exceptional as far as Afghanistan is concerned. Whoever takes arms and resort to violence and keeps contact with the terrorist groups, or collaborate or facilitate for terrorism networks will be considered as enemies. The principle position of keeping the door open for those who give up violence is there, but at the same time, we need to strategize in accordance with the realities that are we are faced with," Abdullah said.