Hu meets president of Afghanistan, vowing further partnership

Karzai is here to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games on Friday night and other activities.

During the meeting, Hu expressed appreciation for Afghanistan's support for the Beijing Olympics, and the "profound friendship" that President Karzai, the Afghan government and people have offered to the Chinese people after the devastating earthquake in Wenchuan of Sichuan Province.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (2nd L) meets with President  of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai (1st R) in Beijing, China,  Aug. 8, 2008. Hamid Karzai is here to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games and other events. (Xinhua Photo)

The quake was one "causing the most serious damages, affecting the most extensive areas and posing the greatest difficulty in disaster relief" since the founding of New China, said the Chinese president.

China's relief efforts have been shifted to post-quake reconstruction, Hu told Karzai.

"Despite the difficulties, China has the confidence to achieve an overall victory in earthquake relief and help the people in the quake-hit areas to rebuild their beautiful homes at an early date with the assistance of the international community," Hu said.

In response, Karzai said he felt honored to lead a delegation to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, adding the Olympic preparations demonstrate China's tremendous capability.

Editor:Wang Shuqin