[Afghanistan Issue] China supports Afghanistan in promoting peace

BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- China supports the efforts of the Afghan government in promoting peace, safety and stability, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said here Sunday.

China is also providing all kinds of assistance to Afghanistan without any conditions attached and within its own capabilities, Yang said.

China has helped Afghanistan in building schools and water conservancy projects, and cultivating professional talents in many areas, according to Yang.

Yang made the remarks at the press conference on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislature.

The Afghanistan government has made important headway in promoting peace and reconstruction, but it still faces some serious problems, such as drug smuggling and terrorism, Yang said.

Yang recalled China's participation recently in a series of international conferences concerning the Afghanistan issue held in Moscow, Turkey and London.

"Many representatives at those meetings agree that military means cannot provide a fundamental solution to the Afghanistan issue," Yang said.

"Together with China, many countries also believe that the international community should fully support the efforts of Afghan government and its people."

"We believe that Afghanistan will eventually realize goals of peace and stability, independence, development and progress as well as friendly relations with its neighboring countries," Yang said.

Yang also mentioned that the United Nations (UN) Security Council plays an important role in the Afghanistan issue.

"We hope the UN Security Council will continue to play a constructive role, and as its permanent member, China will continue to make its own efforts too," Yang said.