China in a 123-type deal with Pakistan; offers to set up 10 N-plants
25 Sep 2008
Mumbai: China proposes to build 10 nuclear power plants for Pakistan over the next 22 years and ensure fuel supplies to these plans on a parallel with the Indo-US civil nuclear agreement, Pakistan news agency reported on Wednesday.
The agreement followed a meeting between Pakistan prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao, at which the two sides vowed to further solidify their ''all weather friendship'' with increased bilateral trade and people to people contacts.
The two leaders who met on the sidelines of the 63rd UN General Assembly session, agreed to cooperate on the construction of two nuclear power plants at an existing Chashma complex, in Punjab, on an immediate basis.
The facility already has two atomic power plants --one that is functional and another under construction.
The move appears to be aimed at counterbalancing a nuclear fuel deal negotiated this year between India and Western suppliers.
The decision was made at a September 19 meeting in Islamabad, attended by top Pakistani officials, including representatives of the military and the Strategic Planning Division, which controls Pakistan's nuclear weapons arsenal, the news agency reported.
Premier Wen Jiabao, who also met Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari, congratulated him on assuming his office and expressed the hope that under his leadership the relations between the two countries will further strengthen in all spheres. He also invited the president to visit China at the earliest.
