BEIJING, Oct 12: A spokeswoman for the Chinese Foreign Office, Zhang Qiyue, said here on Tuesday that China was in close contact with Pakistan to ensure safe release of its two engineers.

"We are in contact round-the-clock with our Pakistani friends to discuss matters that are pre-requisite for the release of the two hostages," she said, while replying to questions about the kidnapping incident, at the weekly news briefing at the Foreign office.

"We have launched an emergency mechanism, as how to handle the situation through the channel of government of Pakistan," she said, adding, "we believe that Pakistan attaches great importance to smooth conclusion of on-going negotiations with the hostages-takers."

Ms Zhang Qiyue said: "We know that Government of Pakistan was making all-out efforts for the release of two engineers, since everybody is concerned about them."

She said the Chinese leaders had called upon Pakistani side to take measures for their safe release. "We have also urged the Pakistan side to take all necessary measures in order to ensure safety of other Chinese working and living in Pakistan," she added.

The spokeswoman said that the Pakistani side attached great importance to the incident and Pakistani leaders as well as relevant departments held the view that China was their friendly neighbour, and they considered the hostages as their brothers. She said it was assured to the Chinese side that the Government of Pakistan was doing its best to rescue the engineers at any cost. -APP