BEIJING, April 5 (Xinhua) - Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said on Saturday China hopes Afghanistan's presidential election will be a new start for the country' s unity and stability.

As Afghanistan's friendly neighbor, China respects the Afghan people' s choice, Hong said in a statement, noting that China noticed the election is generally smooth.

China hopes relevant sides in Afghanistan will properly handle differences through dialogue so as to realize broad-based and inclusive peace and reconciliation at an early date, said the spokesman.

The polling for Afghanistan's presidential election concluded on Saturday and counting of ballots has begun, the country's election officials said.