China, Afghanistan sign three deals to boost economic cooperation

BEIJING - Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai have signed three deals, in which China has announced more investment in the war-torn country and pledged to continue aiding reconstruction efforts.

Jintao and Karzai, who is on a state visit to China, signed the deals on Wednesday, and it covers economic cooperation, technical training and the granting of preferential tariffs for some Afghan exports to China.

Afghan Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul said China has contributed tremendously in Afghan economic development, especially in infrastructure building.

Rassoul said Afghanistan welcomes more Chinese investment, and promised that the government will take necessary measures for the security of Chinese companies and nationals working in Afghanistan.

“There are some security issues. We are trying to deal with it and I hope the security situation will allow Chinese investment to operate without any risks,” The China Daily quoted Rassoul, as saying.

This is Karzai’s first visit to China since his re-election last year, and his fourth as Afghan President.

During his visit, he is also scheduled to meet top legislator Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao. (ANI)