Afghan Vice President Abdul KarimKhalili arrived in Beijing at noon Monday from Hainan, China's southernmost province, continuing his first visit to China as guest of Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong.

During his stay in Beijing, Khalili will hold talks and meet with Zeng and State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan.

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

Prior to his China tour, Khalili said to Xinhua he hopes China can expand and enhance cooperation with Afghanistan, especially inthe economic field.

"China is one of the successful nations in developing economy and it would be a huge contribution to rebuilding Afghanistan if it extends its experience to us and pave the way for our fast recovery," said Khalili.

The Hazara minority leader, who fought against 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.

Khalili is scheduled to conclude his China tour on Tuesday.

(Xinhua News Agency April 25, 2005)