預計阿富汗是上海合作組織峯會要點

The future of Afghanistan is high on the agenda as the leaders of China, Russia and four central Asian states kick off an annual summit in Beijing on Wednesday.

Ahead of the two-day meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Chinese President Hu Jintao said he envisions the regional bloc playing a deeper role in Afghanistan as foreign troops wind down military engagement.

In an interview carried by Chinese state media, President Hu said the six-member grouping should work more closely to safeguard regional peace and stability. But he did not specifically mention how the group could play a bigger role in Afghanistan.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Wednesday welcomed greater Chinese participation in his country. Speaking to a group of university students in Beijing, Mr. Karzai said he soon plans to sign a strategic partnership agreement with China.

President Hu and Afghan President Hamid Karzai will hold separate talks at the summit.

Afghanistan is expected to gain "observer" status at the grouping中國、俄羅斯以及四個中亞國家星期三將在北京舉行年度峯會，預計阿富汗前途將是主要議題。

在爲期兩天的上海合作組織峯會召開之前，中國國家主席胡錦濤說，在外國軍隊開始撤出阿富汗之際，他預期上海合作組織將在阿富汗發揮更大的作用。

中國國家媒體援引胡錦濤的話說，上海合作組織六個成員國應當加強合作，維護本地區的和平與穩定。但胡錦濤沒有具體說明上海合作組織怎樣在阿富汗發揮更大作用。

阿富汗總統卡爾扎伊星期三說，他歡迎中國與阿富汗擴大交往。卡爾扎伊在北京對一些中國大學生說，他計劃不久與中國方面簽署一項戰略合作夥伴協議。

在上海合作組織峯會期間，胡錦濤與卡爾扎伊將單獨舉行會談。

預計，阿富汗將取得上海合作組織觀察員資格。