China vows support for Pakistan’s post-flood reconstruction

BEIJING - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Friday pledged full support for Pakistan’s post-flood reconstruction efforts, Xinhua reported.

Wen made the remarks during his meeting with visiting Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari in Guangzhou city.

China would do its best to provide help for Pakistan’s post-disaster reconstruction, said Wen.

China has pledged $250 million to Pakistan after floods affected over 20 million people in that country.

Highlighting China-Pakistan traditional friendship and common strategic interests, Wen noted that any difficulty and challenge would not shake the resolve and confidence of the two countries to consolidate friendship and step up cooperation.

China would expand pragmatic cooperation with Pakistan to bring about tangible benefits to the Pakistani people and increase Pakistan’s self-development capability, said Wen.

Zardari, on his sixth China visit since taking office in 2008, described China as the best and most reliable friend of Pakistan, and expressed his appreciation for China’s assistance for the flood-affected country.

Zardari hoped the two countries could cement cooperation in areas like agriculture, irrigation and infrastructure and enhance coordination in international and regional affairs in a bid to safeguard interests of both countries.

The 2010 Asian Games, being organised in Guangzhou city, will see a record entry of 9,704 athletes from 45 Asian countries and regions. Pakistani athletes will take part in 17 sports.