Beijing: China yesterday (Jan 19, 2007) pledged to support Afghanistan's reconstruction process and thanked Kabul for its support in fighting the 'East Turkistan' terrorists in the restive Xinjiang in north-western China.

"China appreciates Afghanistan's valuable support in such issues concerning China's core interests as Taiwan, human rights and fighting 'East Turkistan' terrorists," Chinese top advisor Jia Qinglin said here.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the top advisory body, made the remarks while meeting with Sibgatullah Mojaddedi, president of Afghanistan's upper house.

China will as always respect Afghanistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, respect the development path chosen by its government and people, support and actively participate in its peaceful reconstruction and support Afghanistan playing a bigger role in regional and international affairs, Jia was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency.

Jia said the CPPCC will work closely with the House of Elders to facilitate China-Afghanistan relations.

Peace, stability and development constitute the common aspiration of the international community and comply with the interests of all sides, said Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo in a separate meeting with Mojaddedi today.

Wu described the year of 2006 as an important year in China-Afghanistan relations, saying the good-neighbourly treaty signed between the two countries will lift bilateral comprehensive partnership to a new level and create new opportunities for deepening bilateral relations.