On the afternoon of May 27, 2003, Vice President Zeng Qinghong held talks with visiting Afghan Vice President Nimartullah Shaharani at the Great Hall of the People.

Zeng said that China and Afghanistan are friendly neighbors. The Silk Road linked the two peoples a long time ago. Despite national differences, we have been following the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, namely, mutual respect, mutual understanding, mutual support, equality and peaceful coexistence. We thank Afghanistan for its firm support on China's stance on such issues concerning China’s sovereign interests as Taiwan and “East Turkistan”, and believe the support will continue in the future.

Zeng pointed out that China has always respected Afghanistan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and made long-term efforts for a peaceful solution to the Afghan issue. China appreciates the progress made by the Afghan transitional government towards advancing the peace process, maintaining social stability and promoting national reconciliation. China is pleased to see that Afghanistan is now on the path of peace and development.

He said that China attaches importance to and participates in the peaceful reconstruction of Afghanistan and will continue to provide assistance within capacity. Today we will sign an agreement that China provides US$15 million of grant to Afghanistan and a change of note that China undertakes the reconstruction of the Parwan irrigation project. In addition, China will provide US$1 million in cash to support the Afghan government’s regular budget. China will continue to explore new areas for mutually beneficial cooperation and would provide concrete support for Afghanistan's economic development.

Shaharani fully agreed with Zeng on his assessment of bilateral relations. He said that Afghanistan and China have maintained close exchanges and friendly cooperation at all historical stages. Afghanistan regards China as a sincere and friendly neighbor and the Afghan people have always had friendly feelings towards China. When Afghanistan suffered from the scourge of war for many years, the Chinese government and people always supported Afghanistan through different channels. The Afghan people are deeply grateful.

Shaharani said Afghanistan is undergoing peaceful reconstruction. China has committed US$150 million to rebuild the public hospital in Kabul and the Parwan Irrigation Project. The Afghan government and people thank China for the sincere and selfless assistance and welcome China participating in infrastructure building in Afghanistan.

Shaharani reiterated that Afghanistan will as always support China cracking down on "East Turkistan" terrorists.

Shaharani, on behalf of the Afghan government and people, expressed sympathy with China in its fight against SARS, and believed that China would win the battle and contribute to the human society.

In order to further deepen the mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries, the two sides announced resuming the China-Afghanistan Friendly Association and establishing inter-college relations between Beijing University and Kabul University.

After the talks, Zeng and Shaharani attended the signing ceremony of three cooperation documents including the economic and technical cooperation agreement between the two governments.