China announced on Friday that it would provide a 150-million yuan ($23.8 million) grant to Afghanistan during the current year.
The announcement was made in the joint declaration between the two countries on establishing a strategic and Cooperative partnership. It was issued after formal talks between Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai in Beijing.
The two sides agreed to continue to explore new channels and methods to expand bilateral trade and investment and deepen economic cooperation, China's state-run media reported.
It said the two sides agreed to continually strengthen the pragmatic cooperation in such fields as resources and energy development, infrastructure projects, engineering and agriculture. The Chinese side reaffirmed its support for the peaceful reconstruction of the war-ravaged country.
China will also provide assistance to Afghanistan and continue to encourage capable Chinese enterprises to participate in the construction and development of the country, according to the declaration.
"The Afghan side appreciated China's selfless assistance for Afghan peace and reconstruction over the years, and thanked the Chinese side for the new pledge of assistance," said the document.
Karzai on a visit to China attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit held in the Chinese capital as an observer.
by RTT Staff Writer
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