KABUL, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Afghan experts have commended China's progress in environmental protection and urged their government to learn from Chinese experiences in keeping cities clean and preserving the ecosystem.

"... China is the largest country in terms of population but its cities in compare with past years are clean, green and ecologically healthy," Hamidullah Arefi, editor-in-chief of the state-run English newspaper the Kabul Times, told Xinhua on Sunday.

Arefi, who has visited China several times in recent years, said "to keep the cities clean in China and to promote the idea of protection of environment, the government of China has brought change in transport system and has replaced the old-fashioned smoke emitting vehicles to electric ones."

"In addition to promoting greenery, protecting forests, seas and mountains, China has also produced electric cars, electric motorbikes and many more related devices to reduce pollution and keep environment clean from all kinds of pollutions including noises," said Arefi.

The International Horticultural Exhibition 2019 in Beijing, open from April to October, will exhibit flower, fruit and vegetable farming at the foot of the Great Wall in Beijing.

Local observer Dad Mohammad Anabi described China as a leading country in protecting the environment and the ecosystem, saying China can play an effective role in protecting the environment at global level.

"Protection of environment is vital for everyone and China has done a lot in this field," Anabi told Xinhua.

The Afghan expert said promoting agriculture and green development not only benefits the mankind but also animals.

"I have visited several countries including Afghanistan's neighbors but found China the cleanest one in our region in terms of ecology and environment," Anabi said.

Paying attention to the climate change and global warming, Anabi said overlooking the warning would prove destructive in many parts of the world if the icebergs get melted and drought hits some countries.