CHINA> National
China congratulates Karzai on re-election
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-11-03 20:51

BEIJING: China on Tuesday congratulated Afghan President Hamid Karzai on his re-election and pledged to continue support for the war-torn country's reconstruction.

Related readings:
China congratulates Karzai on re-election Afghan leader Karzai vows inclusive government
China congratulates Karzai on re-election Karzai declared Afghan president
China congratulates Karzai on re-election Afghan run-off canceled with Karzai winning
China congratulates Karzai on re-election Abdullah leaves field clear for Karzai in Afghan run-off

China congratulates Karzai on re-election Abdullah plans runoff boycott to delay Afghan vote

"We respect the choice of the Afghan people, and we express our congratulations to Mr Karzai on his election as the president of Afghanistan for a new term," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu at a regular press conference.

The Afghan Independent Election Commission (IEC) announced Monday that incumbent President Hamid Karzai had won the election after his main challenger, Abdullah Abdullah, withdrew from the run-off set for November 7.

"As a friendly neighbor of Afghanistan, China is committed to cementing friendly cooperative ties with the country and supporting its reconstruction," Ma said.

"We sincerely hope that Afghanistan can realize peace, stability and development as soon as possible," he said.