国内英语新闻:Chinese ambassador visits Kandahar, calls for deepening Sino-Afghan ties

KANDAHAR CITY, Afghanistan, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan Deng Xijun paid a visit to southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province Sunday and met with local officials and businessmen, calling for boosting Sino-Afghan relations.

In meeting with local officials, businessmen and elders, Deng described Kandahar as a historic province, saying his two-day visit is aimed at assessing problems there and find ways to offer help.

The ambassador said China, besides providing scholarships to 500 Afghan students, would also help train 3,000 Afghan government employees till 2020 so as to enhance the government efficiency.

Local officials including provincial governor Hamayun Azizi, in meeting with the ambassador, called for further Chinese contributions to the rebuilding and economic development of the country.

Kandahar businessmen also appealed for helping develop bilateral trade and economic relations.