China is paying close attention to the scheduled presidential election in the war-torn country of Afghanistan with hopes that the democratic exercise will be smooth and peaceful.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei said Chinese leaders expressed hope that the upcoming Afghan election will become a starting point for the country's unity and stability.

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The Chinese government, he said, also appreciates the efforts of the government leaders of Afghanistan for their election preparations.

The Afghan presidential election is set on the 5^th of April, and as one of Afghanistan's neighbors, China has been supportive of efforts to instill peace and growth in the country.

China To Play Constructive Role

Hong said China considers its ties with Afghanistan important and vows to play a constructive role whatever the outcome of the presidential election is.

"China's policy has been to develop mutual and friendly relationship with Afghanistan," the ministry spokesman said.

The two countries have continued to maintain high-level trade and economic exchanges over the years. Since 2001, the Chinese government has delivered over 1.5 billion Yuan of grants to Afghanistan.

Improving Relationships

Relationship between the two countries further improved following the fall of the Taliban regime. Immediately, China provided financial aid to Afghanistan to help in the country's rebuilding efforts.

In 2010, China, through the Metallurgical Corporation of China, pledged US$3.5 billion to develop Afghanistan's Aynak Copper mines.

The people of Afghanistan are seeing hope in the chance to choose their new leader in Saturday's presidential election.

Afghans will have to pick a new leader because President Hamid Karzai has been barred, constitutionally, from seeking a third term.