China always respects Afghanistan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and is ready to enhance China-Afghanistan cooperation in trade, security

and international issues, said Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan in Beijing Tuesday.

In his meeting with visiting Afghan Vice President Abdul Karim Khalili, Tang said as Afghanistan's close neighbor, China has been following closely the situation in Afghanistan.

"We are satisfied with the present political, economic and public security condition of Afghanistan which is getting better," Tang said.

Afghanistan has suffered from war chaos for many years and the country's hard-won peace should be cherished, said Tang.

He said to pursue a peaceful development is the common wish of the Afghan people and all countries in the region. It is also significant to promote regional peace, stability and prosperity.

Tang stressed that China always respects Afghanistan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the development path chosen by the Afghan people.

"We support Afghan government and people's active efforts in realizing national pacification and reconstruction," he said.

China will enhance its cooperation with Afghanistan in various fields such as trade and security and make even greater contributions to Afghanistan's peace, stability and development.

Khalili said Afghanistan treasures China's support and help.

People of the two countries are good friends. Afghanistan will continue to deepen bilateral ties.

Khalili is here as guest of Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong. He arrived in Beijing noon Monday after attending the Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan, China's southernmost province.