China has launched its first aid project to Afghanistan by renovating a major hospital in Kabul.

The project, with a total cost of US$4.3 million, will reconstruct the hospital and equip it with a complete set of modern medical facilities.

Afghan Vice President Namatullah Sharani appreciated China's help, calling it a big event for the country's public health.

Chinese ambassador to Afghanistan Sun Yuxi said the embassy will fully support the project.

The project is one of the US$150 million aid package China will provide to Afghanistan for post-war reconstruction.

(CRI August 3, 2003)