BEIJING, May 18 (Xinhua) -- China and Afghanistan issued a joint statement here on Wednesday, in which the two sides reaffirmed support to each other in areas of common interests.
The joint statement was issued amid the official visit of Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah from May 15 to 18, at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.
Both sides undertook to firmly support each other on state sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and stressed on mutual respect and cooperation, with special emphasis on mutual understanding and support in areas of common interest, the joint statement said.
The Afghan side reaffirmed its commitment to the one China policy and firm support for China's positions on issues related to Taiwan, Tibet, and Xinjiang and stated that Afghanistan would not allow its territory to be used by any forces for any separatist activities against China.
The Chinese side expressed its appreciation for Afghanistan's support on issues concerning China's core interests and stated that China would respect and support the Afghan people' s national struggle for peace, stability and economic prosperity, and their choice of development path in line with their national conditions.0 The Chinese side introduced the latest developments in the South China Sea and China's position. The two sides call on the countries concerned to resolve territory and maritime disputes and differences through friendly consultations and negotiations in accordance with bilateral agreements and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). Both sides stressed that the right to settle disputes by the means of their own choice by the sovereign states and the State Parties of UNCLOS should be respected, the joint statement said.
The Chinese side firmly supports the Afghan national unity government in its governance and realization of political, economic and security transformation in Afghanistan. The Chinese side firmly supports the broad-based and inclusive peace and reconciliation process which is "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned" and hopes to see early realization of lasting peace, stability and development in Afghanistan, towards which it will render all possible moral and practical assistance and support.
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