Pak, China to continue, expand nuke cooperation

Islamabad, May 23: Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz today said his country would further strengthen cooperation with China in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology for electricity generation.

''Peaceful uses of nuclear technology under international safeguards has been one of the important areas of cooperation between Pakistan and China and we will further expand collaboration in this field,'' he said while addressing a function held here to mark 55 years of Sino-Pakistan relations.

He also referred to cooperation extended by China in building a 300-megawatt nuclear power plant at Chashma town while the second plant (Chashma-2) of the same capacity is presently being constructed with Chinese assistance near Chashma-1.

''These two plants are a symbol of cooperation between the two countries in nuclear technology,'' the Prime Minister added.

He traced the historical ties between Pakistan and China, saying they had stood the test of time. ''Over the past 55 years, our all-weather and time-tested friendship has become higher than the highest mountains and deeper than the deepest oceans. The friendship between our countries is rooted in our hearts and minds. It is a model for relations between any two countries,'' he told a distinguished gathering of Pakistani and Chinese scholars and Islamabad-based diplomats of various countries.

Mr Aziz described Pakistan-China defence cooperation as factor for stability in the region.

He recalled the framework agreement on defence cooperation the two countries had signed in February last year to carry forward traditional cooperation in this area.

This agreement will contribute towards the modernisation of armed forces of the two countries, he added.

Prime Minister Aziz particularly cited the co-production of JF-17 fighter aircraft and various tanks as the examples of the tangible output of defence cooperation between the two countries.

''A lesser-known but equally important aspect of this cooperation is in the important field of research and development which will lay the groundwork for future cooperation in this field,'' he added.

The Prime Minister said, Pakistan and China have always pursued their friendship with the objective of mutual benefit and never at the cost of any other country.

''We have not sought hegemony nor shall we accept hegemony from any quarter,'' he added.

Pak-China friendship, he added, is designed to promote security and cooperation with their neighbours as well as their global partners.

In the political realm, Mr Aziz said Pakistan and China were committed to pursuing relations with each other and with other countries on the basis of the principles of peaceful co-existence, sovereign equality and non-interference, ''We seek mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries and are committed to the peaceful settlement of all disputes and conflicts,'' he added.

The Prime Minister stated that Pak-China friendship was not designed to be used against any third country.

He underlined the need for both the countries to redouble their efforts for the protection and promotion of international peace and security in a multi-polar system confronted with serious challenges such as terrorism, nuclear proliferation, regional conflicts, energy crisis, environmental degradation.

''As in the past, our present efforts can contribute towards greater security and stability around the world,'' Mr Aziz said and assured that Pakistan would always stand united with China and that it could continue to count on its steadfast support.

He also foresaw further strengthening of economic cooperation between the two countries in coming years as the two-way trade volume has already surpassed 4 billion dollars mark.

UNI