UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 17-- China supports an Afghan- led and Afghan-owned national reconciliation process, with a view to achieving peace and stability in the country, a Chinese envoy said here on Tuesday.

Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, made the statement at a UN Security Council open debate on the situation in Afghanistan

"Afghanistan still faces an arduous task in restoring stability and rebuilding the country," Liu told the 15-nation body. "We support an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned national reconciliation process and the efforts made by the High Peace Council in this regard."

The Chinese envoy stressed that the international community should support and work with the Afghan government and people in their related efforts so as to create an enabling external environment for the reconciliation process, adding that China welcomes the provision of additional support for Afghanistan by countries of the region.

Liu also underlined that regional cooperation on the issue of Afghanistan needs to be continuously improved and enhanced.

"Related regional cooperation initiatives should respect the concerns of the countries of the region, make full use of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and other regional organizations, and be conducted on the basis of consensus, through extensive consultations," he said.

The ambassador also noted that China will host the fourth Ministerial meeting of the Istanbul Process in Beijing next year, thereby further strengthening efforts to promote cooperation among the countries of the region and peace, stability and development in Afghanistan and in the region.

"China has long been committed to developing strategic partnerships with Afghanistan and has been actively involved in the peace and reconstruction process in Afghanistan," Liu said.

According to him, China will continue to provide assistance for Afghanistan within its ability and to play a constructive role in realizing peace, stability and development in Afghanistan.

With regard to the frequent occurrence of security incidents in Afghanistan, which have resulted in civilian casualties, "China supports the continued capacity building of the Afghan military and police so as to ensure the successful completion of the security transition," he added.