Vice President Zeng Qinghong said on Monday afternoon that the government will help Afghanistan train professional personnel in fields such as diplomacy and economics.

"China is a successful nation in developing its economy and it would be a huge contribution to the rebuilding of Afghanistan for it to extend its experience and pave the way for our fast recovery," said Abdul Karim Khalili, the visiting Afghan Vice President.

Zeng, meeting with Khalili in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, said China is ready to push forward bilateral relations as the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Khalili said Afghanistan and China have maintained sound momentum in the development of cooperation in such fields as politics, economy and culture. He said the two countries should take the opportunity of the anniversary to further promote cooperation on all fronts, including economy, trade, security, agriculture and education.

Zeng said China supports Afghanistan's efforts to maintain internal stability and develop its political system. He said China will continue to actively take part in its economic reconstruction and step up trade and economic cooperation.

After the talks, Zeng and Khalili attended the signing ceremony of a number of bilateral documents, including the Sino-Afghan Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement. They also unveiled a silk-made stamp to commemorate the anniversary.

Khalili had arrived at noon after attending the Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan, China's southernmost province.

This is his first visit to China, and he will also hold talks with State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan before leaving on Tuesday.

At the Boao Forum for Asia, Khalili met with Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top advisory body.

Prior to his tour, Khalili told Xinhua News Agency that he hoped China would expand and enhance cooperation with Afghanistan, especially in the economy.

The Hazara minority leader, who fought against the former Soviet Union and later on helped the US military to oust the Taliban regime in late 2001, was sworn in as second vice president of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in December 2004.

(Xinhua News Agency April 26, 2005)