On the morning of March 10th 2004, State Councillor Tang Jiaxuan met with Afghan Foreign Minister Doctor Abdullah Abdullah in Zhongnanhai.

Tang Jiaxuan made positive remarks on China-Afghanistan relations. He said that development of traditional friendly relations between the two countries gives expression to China's efforts to strengthen good-neighborly and friendly relations and enhance mutually beneficial cooperation with its neighbors. He added that China shows respect for Afghanistan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and for its road to development chosen by its own people. China also supports Afghanistan's political process towards national reconciliation and post-war economic rehabilitation, and stands ready to continue to make its due efforts to this end.

Abdullah was thankful for the consistent support and assistance provided by the Chinese government and people for peace and post-war rehabilitation in Afghanistan. He extended his congratulations on China's huge advances in economic development and social progress and reiterated that the Afghan government resolutely pursues the "one-China" policy.