China supports Afghanistan-Pakistan ties

China and Russia support Afghanistan and Pakistan's plan to expand exchanges and improve ties at talks in Pakistani capital Islamabad, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said on Thursday.

"It will have positive impact on regional situation," Hong said at a daily news briefing when asked about the second round of China- Pakistan-Russia trilateral talks on Afghanistan.

The three parties noted that the situation in Afghanistan, particularly in the run-up to 2014, had important bearing on regional peace and stability. They reiterated support for an inclusive Afghan-led and Afghan-owned reconciliation process and the international community should support the country in developing its economy.

In a regional context, the three parties agreed to strengthen the role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Afghanistan.

Russian and Pakistani delegations expressed their support for China's hosting of the ministerial meeting of Istanbul Process in Tianjin in 2014.

The three countries agreed to hold the next round of trilateral talks in Moscow in the first half of 2014.