China assures Pakistan financial assistance for resolving energy crisis

APP

ISLAMABAD - China Tuesday assured to provide more financial assistance and cooperation to Pakistan to help resolve its energy crisis through hydal and other sources of power generation.This was stated by Huang Xilian, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) of Chinese embassy in an exclusive interview with APP during his visit to the headquarters of the agency. Huang Xilian said China, being a close friend of Pakistan has been providing assistance and cooperation to provide energy through different sources including peaceful means of nuclear potential.

The DCM said China has already been assisting Pakistan and over 120 projects are under way where over 13,000 Chinese are working.

Referring to energy crisis in Pakistan, he said, China has been working on the projects of civil nuclear energy in Pakistan to resolve the energy crisis of the friendly country.

He said Chinese assistance in the peaceful nuclear energy in Pakistan in accordance with the rules and regulations of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other relevant international organizations under the policy that China supports for peaceful nuclear use.

The Chinese embassy DCM, who has just arrived after working in Washington, DC said that China is also ready to provide loans to finance the projects for hydal power generation in Pakistan to resolve the energy crisis.

Regarding Pak-China strategic relations, he said, "We have to strengthen and substantiate our cooperation to make our relations further strengthened and stronger."

He said Pakistan is a major player in the region and working hard for peace and stability in the region. Appreciating the efforts of Pakistan to fight extremism and terrorism, he said, "We have been working closely with Pakistan government in this regard to ensure peace and security in the region."

He said, "We providing our necessary assistance to Pakistan in the fight against terrorism and extremism."

Replying to a question on Pak-India relations and role of China to play in revival of dialogue process between these two nuclear rival, Huang Xilian said Pakistan and India are two major players in the region and have important role in the international affairs, therefor it is important for them to improve their relations in their own as well as regional interest.

He said despite strong, good, higher than Himalaya, deeper than sea and sweeter than honey Pak-China relations, there is still scope for promoting trade and economic activities, especially in the field of energy and science and technology.

Xilian expressing satisfaction on the deep and cordial relations with Pakistan said such relations are a model of Chinese relations with other countries.

Referring to strong relationship between the two countries, he said, he felt at home, when he arrived here in Islamabad to start his new diplomatic assignment.

He said both the counties are also enjoying very cordial relations in the media and a number of Chinese journalist are working here in Pakistan.

Referring to visits of President Asif Ali Zardari to China, he said it is a proof of strong relationship and had further strengthened the bilateral ties.

He said China is also looking forward to his (President Zardari) next visit to China.

Replying to another question about Shanghai World Expo, he said, it is a project of eight years preparations behind this expo and appreciated Pakistan's design in this expo.

He urged the Pakistani community to visit this Shanghai World Expo that is an important venue to see the progress of China and the world progress at one place.

Pakistan pavilion at Shanghai Expo, is a replica of famous and historic Lahore Fort.

Later, he held talks with Managing Director of Associated Press of Pakistan Mohammed Riaz and discussed the opportunities for enhancing cooperation in the media interaction.

They also discussed to improve the cooperation in the field of electronic news gathering besides improving the already cooperation between the official news agencies of two countries.