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