Pakistan, China put emphasis on non-proliferation, disarmament

Islamabad, Oct 4 (UNI) Pakistan and China have emphasised that the non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control issues can be best addressed through multilaterally negotiated, universal and non-discriminatory regimes.

The emphasis came as the two countries held the third round of consultations on Arms Control and Disarmament here.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said in a statement here that Mr Zhang Yan, Director General (Arms Control and Disarmament), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and his Pakistani counterpart Mr Khalilullah Qazi led Pakistani and Chinese delegations respectively at the talks concluded on Monday.

''The talks were held in a very cordial atmosphere, which is reflective of the close friendly relations enjoyed by Pakistan and China,'' Ms Aslam said.

She added that both sides expressed satisfaction at the level of cooperation between the two countries in various fields and noted the similarity of their approaches to issues of disarmament, non-proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Regional and global security matters were also discussed at the meeting.

''It was emphasised that the non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control issues can be best addressed through multilaterally negotiated, universal and non-discriminatory regimes,'' she stated.

The next round of consultations will be held in Beijing next year.

UNI XC KD MIR HT1654