Pakistani PM hails China's disaster relief aid

Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday said he appreciated China and its leadership for providing timely aid and relief goods for the flood-affected people of the country.

Speaking at a meeting regarding funds donated to flood-affected people by the China Three Gorges Corporation at the Prime Minister's House in the capital Islamabad, Sharif expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government, leadership and people who stood by Pakistan during the difficult time, and thanked the Chinese enterprises in Pakistan for their active performance of social duty and concern over the wellbeing of the Pakistani people.

The support and commitment from Chinese enterprises hold great significance, which will help uplift the affected people, Sharif said, adding that the acts of kindness from these enterprises portrayed the togetherness through thick and thin and commitment to mutual assistance between China and Pakistan.

The relationship between the two countries is brotherly, and Pakistan will further be devoted to consolidating the bilateral ties, Sharif added.

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong told the prime minister that China is the leading donor when it comes to flood relief efforts in Pakistan, and China has provided relief goods, including blankets, food packages and tents, and would continue to play a role in relief activities, adding that new assistance materials will arrive shortly.

As an all-weather strategic cooperative partner and "iron-clad" friend, Nong said the Chinese government and people will stand with Pakistan and believe the difficulties will soon be overcome.

Talking about the destruction caused by the floods, Sharif said millions of houses were ravaged, infrastructure was badly affected and over 1.6 million hectares of crops were washed away.

According to data from the National Disaster Management Authority of Pakistan on Thursday, 1,678 people have lost their lives from various disasters caused by the heavy rainfall so far, and over 33.04 million people have been affected.

(With input from Xinhua)

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