Karzai eyes Chinese investments to rebuild Afghanistan

KABUL - In order to rebuild his war-torn country, Afghan President Hamid Karzai is set to seek Beijing’s assistance in the form of Chinese investments during his visit to the communist nation this week.

Eight years after the Taliban regime was toppled by US-led forces, Karzai will also look forward to strengthen bilateral relations with China, however, financial issues are likely to dominate talks.

“Most of what will be discussed with the Chinese government will be on economic issues and a large number of Afghan businessmen will accompany the president,” Taipei Times quoted Karzai’s spokesman Waheed Omar, as telling reporters in Kabul last week.

During the trip, Karzai will hold separate talks with his counterpart President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao.

Karzai will also demonstrate his plan for reconciliation with the Taliban to China, which is increasingly seen as a key player in maintaining stability in Afghanistan after US troops pull out.

China has a keen interest in Afghanistan’s natural resources.

While Beijing has refused to send troops into the Afghan war, it has provided aid and assistance to the militancy-infested nation.

Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi recently pointed out that China had given “unconditional” assistance to Afghanistan in areas such as the construction of schools, hospitals, roads and waterworks.

Referring to the latest international conferences on Afghanistan, Yang said: “Representatives of many countries at the conferences were of the view that military means did not offer a fundamental solution to the Afghanistan issue.” (ANI)