Sino-Bangladesh nuclear cooperation on sino-Pak lines

Dhaka, Apr 25 (UNI) Sino-Bangladesh peaceful nuclear power cooperation can be built on the Sino-Pakistan model as Beijing wanted to get involved in the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Foreign Advisor Iftekhar Ahmed said here today.

Mr Iftekhar, who saw off Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi at Zia international airport, said Beijing has shown keen interest in the development of Bangladesh. They want to get involved in larger projects such as Rooppur Nuclear power plant.

The Chinese Foreign Minister, who was on a two-day official visit to Bangladesh, left for Islamabad this morning.

Since 1965, Bangladesh has planned to build a nuclear reactor at Rooppur to deliver the country from constant shortcomings of electricity. The IAEA is willing to provide consultancy in the installation and operation of a nuclear reactor at the Rooppur plant.

Mr Iftekhar said Bangladesh and China were partners in the new Asian Age and the visit of Foreign Minister would further cement this relationship.

''Our friendship is rooted in history. But it is important to renew and reinvigorate the relationship from time to time, and this visit was an occasion to do just that,'' the Foreign Adviser added.

During the Chinese Minister's visit, a letter of exchange was signed to construct an Exhibition Centre in Bangladesh.

Mr Jiechi offered a 60 million yean free grant to Bangladesh for this year.

Replying to a question, Mr Iftekhar said, ''We have told him of our One-China policy. Matters pertaining to Tibet are internal affairs of China. The forthcoming Olympics in Beijing will be an occasion of pride for all Asians and must not be politicised.'' The Foreign Advisor said regional and international politics was also discussed. ''I have explained to him the warmth of our relations with India and Pakistan, and the growing cooperation with all SAARC countries.'' Mr Jiechi discussed bilateral military cooperation with Bangladesh army chief General Moeen U Ahmed. Military to military cooperation was an important part of the overall bilateral relations, he said.

Bangladesh is the traditional importer of the Chinese military hardware.

The Chinese Minister has invited Chief Advisor of the caretaker government Fakhruddin Ahmed to visit Beijing later this year.

UNI XC SYU GC1829