Russia: China's Xi Jinping confirms 'security cooperation' with Afghanistan

Chinese President Xi Jinping confirmed that Beijing would support Afghanistan, providing the government with security equipment and training, during an address in Ufa, Friday. He also pledged to strengthen security cooperation not only with Kabul, but the rest of the Eurasian area. Speaking at The 15th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Xi Jinping stated that the external environment was "not very optimistic for the SCO's future development," adding that the organisation would have to "hurry up and take action". The Chinese president also pledged to provide financial support to carry out research on planning of the projects in SCO nations, including investment in design and construction. The 15th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) takes place on July 9 and 10 in Ufa and partially coincides with a meeting of the BRICS leaders.