Minister meets Afghan army chief of staff

Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan met Chief of General Staff of the Afghan National Army Besmillah Mohammadi in Beijing yesterday.

"China respects the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan and supports Afghanistan to independently choose a way of development that suits its national realities," said Cao, adding China also supports Afghanistan's policy of fostering an amicable neighborhood.

Cao expressed his appreciation for Afghanistan's support and help to China in international affairs and on the Taiwan question and the "East Turkistan" terrorist forces.

He said China is ready to work with Afghanistan to further promote the development of China-Afghanistan comprehensive partnership of cooperation.

Besmillah said Afghanistan regards China as a reliable neighbor and partner and is ready to further develop relations between the two countries and the two armed forces.

Sudan consulate opens

HONG KONG: The Republic of Sudan opened a consulate in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region yesterday, taking a key step to attract investors from one of the world's major financial centers.

Mirghani Mohamed Salih, Sudanese ambassador to China, and Peter Lee, honorary consul of Sudan in Hong Kong, officiated at the opening of the consulate, which will also handle consular issues in Macao SAR.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the consulate, Peter Lee said Sudan is becoming a popular place for investment in recent years with its rich mineral resources, especially its oil reserve.