China is ready to further promote mutually beneficial cooperation with Afghanistan, says Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing Wednesday.

China seeks no national interest in developing relations with Afghanistan, and sincerely wishes for lasting peace, prosperity and happiness in Afghanistan, Wen said during a meeting with Afghan Vice-President Nimartullah Shaharani.

The two countries have maintained good relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties 48 years ago, Wen said, noting that China's friendly policy towards Afghanistan never changed, even during the war in Afghanistan.

Since the establishment of the interim Afghan government, the two countries have witnessed exchanges of high-level visits and signed a declaration of good-neighborly relations, he said.

The Chinese Government has decided to provide US$150 million to help Afghanistan's reconstruction and is offering aid for construction of the Parwan irrigation project and the Republic Hospital, he said.

China-Afghanistan economic and trade cooperation is still in its initial stage, but enjoys bright prospects, he said.

The new Chinese Government stands willing to continue to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation with Afghanistan for further development of bilateral relations, he said.

Shaharani said the friendship between the two countries is deeply ingrained in the two peoples, adding that Afghanistan is proud to have such a friendly neighbor as China. He expressed admiration for China's achievements in recent years.

Afghanistan wants to study the Chinese Government's experience in developing the country, and supports China's fight against the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), he said. China's success in fighting SARS will be a contribution to the mankind, he said.

He thanked China for its aid and support for Afghanistan's reconstruction.

He said Chinese businesses are welcome to invest in Afghanistan. Afghanistan is also looking forward to further exchanges and cooperation with China in the fields of culture, education and religious affairs, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency May 29, 2003)