"We try to cover lots of diff erent topics so that they can have diff erent jobs like public diplomacy, negotiations, working with media, and then we are going to the Chinese

embassy and they are also meeting with some think tanks and universities," said Sean Callaghan, program officer at Meridian International Center. "So we are really talking

about different topics that would be useful to young diplomats."

"It is a very interesting program and we are going to China," Majabeen Sullani, one of this year’s 15 participants, told China Daily. "We want some experience from the

class and we are also sharing stories. We thank China and the US for this opportunity."

Ahmad Shah participated in the program in 2013 and now works as the second secretary in the Afghan embassy in Washington.

"It is a fantastic program," Shah said. "It is very helpful that they share their experiences with us. I learned a lot from it."

"My impression of Beijing was that it is very large because it has the biggest population in the world. It was really nice," said Hadeia Amiry, another former participant of the program who is now third secretary at the Afghan embassy. "If I get a chance, I will go to China again."

China hopes to see a united, stable and growing Afghanistan that lives in harmony with its neighbors, according to Wang. China supports the efforts made by the Afghan government and its people to lead the country in achieving peace and development and supports the

"Afghan-led, Afghan-owned" reconciliation process, Wang added.

China will strengthen support for peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan and enhance Afghanistan related international and regional cooperation. China will continue to play a constructive role in pushing for an early settlement of the issue of Afghanistan, according to Wang.

Pan Jialiang in Washington contributed to the story.