Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone conversation on Friday with Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani.
Xi noted that China and Afghanistan are traditional friendly neighbors, and have always been understanding and helping each other.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, he added, the people of the two countries have worked together with solidarity and mutual assistance, deepening the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
China is ready to continue to provide support and assistance for Afghanistan's fight against the disease, Xi said, adding that China hopes the Afghan side will strengthen the protection of Chinese citizens and organizations in Afghanistan.
Xi stressed that China firmly supports the Afghan government's endeavor to safeguard national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, which is in the interests of the Afghan people and countries in the region.
China always believes that political dialogue is the fundamental way to achieve national reconciliation and lasting peace in Afghanistan, Xi said, pledging China's continued support for the "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned" principle, the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan, and an early peaceful reconstruction of the country.
The Chinese side is glad to see that the Afghan government and relevant parties in Afghanistan have reached positive consensus during the recent dialogue in Tehran, he said.
China, he added, hopes that both sides engaged in the dialogue will put the interests of the Afghan people first, and agree on a political solution through negotiation at an early date.
China will, as always, play a constructive role in the process, Xi said.
