Invited by Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS), H.E. Hamid Karzai, former President of Afghanistan, led a delegation to visit Shanghai on Jan. 26th-29th. Prof. Yang Jiemian, Chairman of SIIS Academic Council, accompanied the delegation during the entire visit. Mr. Deng Xijun, Special Envoy on Afghan Affairs of Chinese Foreign Ministry participated in the related activities in Shanghai.
On the morning of Jan. 28th, H.E. Karzai delivered a speech at SIIS on “Afghanistan and the Region: Prospects for Peace and Prosperity” and shared his views on postwar reconstruction in Afghanistan, extremism, anti-terrorism and cooperation between different civilizations. His Excellency commended China’s contribution to Afghan economic development and regional security, and highlighted the importance of major power involvement in the Afghan peace process. He also promoted continued inter-civilizational dialogue to build up a new world order based on mutual respect and win-win cooperation.

Prof. Chen Dongxiao, President of SIIS delivered opening remarks for the speech which was moderated by Vice President Prof. Yang Jian. Mr. Deng Xijun, Special Envoy on Afghan Affairs of Chinese Foreign Ministry, commented on the speech. Representatives from SIIS, The Asia Foundation and local scholars also attended the speech. After the speech, Prof. Chen Dongxiao conferred upon Mr. Karzai membership of the SIIS board of international advisors. 
 

H.E. Karzai also attended an international seminar hosted by SIIS on “International Situation and Afghanistan: Challenges and Priorities” and exchanged views on regional security, Afghanistan’s relations with its neighbors and major powers and China’s “Belt & Road” initiative. Prof. Yang Jiemian chaired the seminar and Mr. Rangin Dadfar Spanta, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, made a keynote speech. Mr. Deng Xijun, China’s Special Envoy on Afghan Affairs participated in the seminar. The scholars from Fudan University, Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences and SIIS had an intensive discussion with Afghan side at the seminar. 

On Jan. 28th, Mr. Wu Zhiming, Chairman of the CPPCC Shanghai Committee, met with Mr. Karzai and introduced the economic and social development of Shanghai and the construction of consultative democracy system. Mr. Karzai appreciated Shanghai’s important role in Chinese economic development and its remarkable achievements since 1978 and expressed hopes that his visit would strengthen Sino-Afghan friendship and deepen cooperation in infrastructure construction and new energy. 
 

During their stay in Shanghai, the Afghan delegation also visited the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, took a cruise on Suzhou Creek in Putuo District, and visited Yuyuan Garden. The delegation also visited the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law (SHUPL) and China National Institute for SCO International Exchange and Judicial Corporation (CNISCO). H.E. Karzai was conferred Honorary Professorship by SHUPL.