Afghan president leaves for China

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai left here for a four-day official visit to China on Monday night, a statement released by his office said.

"The President of Afghanistan Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, left for a four-day official visit to Beijing on Monday night," the statement said.

During his stay in China, the Afghan president would meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang. He will also meet Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, China's top legislature. During the meetings, a number of cooperation agreements are expected to be inked.

Several high-ranking officials, including Presidential Adviser on National Security Mohammad Hanif Atmar, Financial Adviser Hazrat Omar Zakhilwal, acting Minister for Foreign Affairs Zarar Ahmad Usmani and acting Minister for Defense General Bismillah Mohammadi, are accompanying the president during his visit.