Russia will exert its best in helping Afghanistan set up an effective political system, said Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Monday when meeting with his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai.

"We'll do everything possible to help Afghanistan build its effective political system and promote its further development," the Itar-Tass news agency quoted Medvedev as saying in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg on the sidelines of the ninth annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

The SCO comprises Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, while Iran, Mongolia, India and Pakistan are observers at the bloc. Karzai was invited to the summit as a guest.

"There are problems that pose a threat to our countries and our neighbours and we'll deal with them jointly," said Medvedev.

"In this aspect our permanent consultations are fruitful and useful," he added.

Karzai thanked Medvedev for his invitation to the SCO summit and for support, and expressed the hope that Russia and Afghanistan can expand and make stronger bilateral relations.

On the same day Medvedev also had a meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari, and both leaders pledged to turn over a new page in bilateral ties, said Itar-Tass.

The three presidents then held a three-party meeting. Medvedev hoped that through such format of talks the three sides can establish an effective mechanism in dealing with issues of common concern such as terrorism.