FRIDAY MAY 24: Civilian nuclear technology: Nawaz seeks China help to help ease energy crisis

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif on Thursday sought a greater role for China in the revival of Pakistan's economy as well as broader co-operation in civilian nuclear technology to help ease the crippling energy shortage. During a meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang, Nawaz Sharif recalled that during his earlier tenures, the two countries had co-operated in many important spheres and it would be his endeavour to encourage China to assume a greater role in the revival of the country's economy.
Urging the Chinese premier to extend co-operation to Pakistan in civilian nuclear technology to overcome energy crisis, Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan was currently facing worst energy crisis and his administration will encourage the Chinese investment in the sector to ease the crisis in a short time, besides generating employment. The Chinese premier also conveyed an invitation to Nawaz Sharif to pay an early visit to China, to discuss how to give shape to the many ideas that had been exchanged in Thursday's meeting.
While conveying his thanks and deep appreciation for the gracious invitation, the PML-N chief confirmed that he looked forward to an early opportunity of exchanging views with the Chinese leadership, as this would be of mutual benefit to both. Dates for the visit would be finalised through diplomatic channels.
According to a statement released by PML-N central media office here, both the leaders held in-depth discussions on ways to strengthen existing bilateral and strategic relationship between the two countries in various fields. Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan wants to take advantage of Chinese expertise in infrastructure development. He said both the countries enjoy long lasting and deep rooted friendship. He told the Chinese premier that his government would accord highest priority to reinforcing the excellent relations with China.
He said that a strong, stable and prosperous China was an important factor in the maintenance of peace and stability in the region. The visiting Chinese Premier, while offering his congratulations and good wishes to Nawaz Sharif on his party's outstanding success in the just concluded general elections, reiterated that the Chinese people had deep respect for the former Prime Minister.
"China viewed Nawaz Sharif as a sincere and committed friend, whose contribution to expanding co-operation between the two countries was highly appreciated", the PML-N media central office quoted Premier Li to have told Nawaz Sharif during the meeting. The Chinese Premier also gave an assurance that his government would endeavour to expand co-operation with Pakistan in all sectors, especially those that needed urgent attention.
Apart from a comprehensive review of bilateral issues, the two sides were also able to touch on a number of regional and international issues of common interest. "This revealed great similarity between their views, which led to renewed affirmation of their resolve to further enhance their co-operation," the PML-N statement added. The Chinese Prime Minister congratulated Mian Nawaz Sharif on the success of his party in the general elections and hoped it will help democracy in the country.
Later talking to media persons, Nawaz Sharif said that economic and defence relations would further be expanded with China during the upcoming tenure of his party in government. He said memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed during the visit of Chinese Prime Minister will be converted into regular agreements. Nawaz Sharif said that both the countries would continue to work jointly for peace and development in the region. He said after taking oath he will visit China at the earliest on the invitation of Chinese leadership. PML N leaders Shahbaz Sharif‚ Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Senator Ishaq Dar and former diplomat Tariq Fatemi were also present on the occasion while the Chinese Premier was assisted by Foreign Minister Wang Yi and other senior officials.