China supports the Afghan government in strengthening national capacity with a view to efficiently executing governance in the country, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Wednesday.

Addressing an open debate on the situation of Afghanistan in the Security Council, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN Wang Min said that the Sept. 18 parliamentary election is a big event in Afghanistan's political life, indicating an important step forward on reconstruction and achieving the goal of Afghanistan run by Afghans themselves.

"We sincerely hope that the Afghan people could seize this opportunity to further enhance solidarity and common sense so as to realize peace, reconciliation and development in the country at an earlier date," he said.

Wang stressed that lasting peace, stability and development in Afghanistan are in line with the common interests of the international community.

Being in a critical stage, the Afghan reconstruction process is still confronted with many challenges, Wang said.

He called for balanced efforts in economic development, security and stability, national reconciliation, good governance, the rule of law and the fight against drugs.

"We encourage the Afghan government to adopt effective measures in speeding up the economic development and improving people's life," Wang noted.

He said that China urges the Afghan government to listen to different opinions from various political fractions and its people so as to continue to expand the political basis for reconciliation.

"Maintaining peace, stability and development in Afghanistan still requires continued attention and support from the international community," Wang added.