China, Russia support peaceful Afghanistan

China and Russia believe Afghanistan should become a peaceful, stable and prosperous nation without terrorism and drug crimes at an early date, according to a joint declaration on Tuesday.

China and Russia issued the joint declaration in Shanghai during the state visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The two countries reiterated their support to all Afghan efforts for ethnic reconciliation. They also called for Afghan factions to abandon violence, sever ties with terrorists and to accept the Afghan Constitution. Expanding narcotic production in Afghanistan imperils peace and stability of the country and the world at large. More efforts from the international community and regional cooperations are required to deal with the drugs issue.

They reiterated their staunch support for the global drug surveillance system based on relevant UN conventions.

They also pointed out that the meanings of the presidential election of Afghanistan and regional elections are significant. That elections can be held is the result of the Afghan government's efforts, with support from the international community, and Afghan people's historical choices should be respected.

The Russian president arrived in Shanghai on Tuesday to start his state visit to China and to attend the fourth summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia.