China on Thursday called upon the international community to render more support and provide more assistance to Afghanistan, and voiced its support for a leading coordination role by the United Nations in the reconstruction of the south Asian country.

The appeal came as Li Baodong, the permanent Chinese representative to the United Nations, was speaking to a UN Security Council meeting on the current situation of Afghanistan.

The international community must keep focused on Afghanistan, which is currently at a key transitional period, and increase support and assistance to enhance Afghan sovereignty and capacity for development, Li said.

The international community should also step up the efforts to assist the country in strengthening its military and police forces, promoting the process of national reconciliation in the nation, he said.

He said that China supports the leading coordination role played by the United Nations in helping Afghanistan in its reconstruction process.

China had actively supported and participated in Afghanistan's peaceful reconstruction, he said, adding that China will continue to provide assistance to Afghanistan within its capacity.

China had invited Afghan President Hamid Karzai to visit China on March 21-25, Li said, adding that he is confident that visit will achieve positive results.

(Xinhua News Agency March 18, 2010)