Afghan President seeks stronger China role in anti-terrorism,drugs

Afghanistan needed China and other neighboring countries to play a bigger role in combating terrorism, separatism, extremism and drug trafficking in the region, said Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Beijing Tuesday.

Afghanistan had taken the first steps in reconstruction since the Taliban leadership was toppled in 2001, but still faced the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism, as well as the problem of drugs, said Karzai at the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations.

The "three evil forces" posed a grave threat to world peace and security, Karzai said. "That's why I prefer a stronger China role with Pakistan and other neighbors."

Suicide bombing incidents and roadside explosions had been frequent this year in Afghanistan with more than 400 people killed during the past month.

Karzai said that no matter which country the "three evil forces" emanated from, China, Pakistan and other neighboring states should maintain awareness of the strategic significance of fighting terrorism and enhancing regional cooperation in order to combat terrorism more effectively.

Anti-drugs efforts also topped the agenda of Afghan reconstruction, Karzai said.

"Afghanistan has worked out a specific plan to fight drugs. We believe it will be solved with international efforts," he said.

Karzai also gave a speech at Beijing University early on Tuesday, voicing the hope of deeper cooperation with China in education.

Karzai is on a state visit to China from June 18 to 21 at the invitation of President Hu Jintao.

Source: Xinhua