Pakistan, China reach nuclear energy deal

Pakistan-China nuclear energy cooperation advances with new power plants, IAEA inspections, and transparent safeguards, addressing Pakistan's energy crisis and rolling blackouts while deepening bilateral trade, infrastructure investment, and strategic ties in Islamabad and beyond.

The Pakistani government has finalized a deal with China to build two new nuclear power plants in the country, the Pakistani foreign minister said.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Mehmood Qureshi said Pakistan was working with its Chinese counterparts on more than 120 different projects, including two nuclear power facilities in Pakistan as part of broader plans for additional Chinese-built plants across the country, the Associated Press of Pakistan reports. Despite concerns over the proliferation of nuclear material noted in a watchdog report from international observers, the foreign minister said his country was moving ahead with its nuclear activity in line with international expectations.

"We have no objections on inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency because we are proceeding ahead in a transparent manner," he said, pointing to the benefits of nuclear electricity for Pakistan's energy mix.

Pakistan is facing a looming energy crisis that is creating rolling blackouts in parts of the country, and has sought energy help from Iran to ease shortages.

The energy deal comes as Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari accepted the credentials of Liu Jian, the new Chinese envoy to Islamabad, and officials aim to add more than 5,000 MW to the grid by June 2010.

Zardari said trade relations with China fell well short of their potential.

"Strengthening and enhancing cooperation with China in all sectors is one of the key principles guiding Pakistan's foreign policy," said the Pakistani president.

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