Endeavors to be made for civil nuke energy: FO
By Asghar Ali Mubarak

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan and China are expected to sign a number of bilateral agreements both in public and in private sector during the forthcoming visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao to Pakistan. “These agreements are expected to further strengthen our economic, social, cultural relations and enhance bilateral trade between the two countries,” Foreign Office Spokesperson Tasnim Aslam told reporters at a weekly briefing here on Monday.
“The agreements will also pave the way for Chinese investment in Pakistan,” she added. Giving details of the Chinese President’s visit to Pakistan during November 23-26, the Spokesperson said that he would be accompanied by Madam Hu and a high powered entourage.
“This will be the culminating point of President Hu Jintao’s visit to three regional countries and this would be high point in the commemorative event related to the 55th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China,” she added. The Chinese President, during his visit will hold discussions with President General Pervez Musharraf, the Spokesperson said. President Hu Jintao will also have interaction with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and meet Chairman Senate and Speaker National Assembly, she added.
The Spokesperson said, President Hu Jintao will address the people of Pakistan and meet Pakistani students and the representatives of industrial and commercial enterprises. He will also visit Lahore, she added. Referring to the amount of British Development Assistance announced during the visit of Prime Minister Tony Blair to Pakistan, the Spokesperson clarified that it is 480 million Pounds (close to US $ 900 million) and spreads over three year period.
Foreign Office spokesperson in response to a question said that cooperation in civil nuclear technology between Pakistan and China is longstanding, terming as “speculative” some media reports regarding the signing of an agreement for supply of any certain number of nuclear power plants.
To a question regarding Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) seeking Pakistan’s signing of an additional protocol for civil nuclear technology she said, “this matter has been under consideration for sometime but no decision has been taken.” Tasnim Aslam said, “Pakistan is not a member of NPT and is a Nuclear Power and these facts would have to be taken into account in any discussions on the additional protocol”.
Responding to a question about Pakistan’s position on civil nuclear technology vis a vis US-India deal, the Spokesperson said, “Pakistan’s position on this subject is very clear... we have articulated our position a number of times publicly as well as in our discussions with our US interlocutors and others”. “We have our energy requirements and nuclear energy is part of our national energy security plan and we intend to meet our requirements. We will continue to seek cooperation in this sector from various countries including the US,” she maintained.