ISLAMABAD, Nov 3: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz says Pakistan and the People’s Republic of China enjoy a close and cordial relationship in every field. Both the countries have stood by each other whenever needed. The financial, technical, moral and psychological support provided by China for the quake victims is a great source of strength for the people of Pakistan, he added.

The prime minister was talking to an eight-member relief and reconstruction team from China headed by Chen Jian, Assistant Minister for Commerce, which called on him at the Prime Minister’s House on Thursday.

Mr Aziz thanked the government and the people of China for their invaluable support and assistance.

The Chinese minister informed the prime minister that China had so far provided an assistance of $2.5 million in cash and kind. He said China would provide further technical and financial assistance to Pakistan.

Cuban, Thai ministers meet PM: The First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cuba, Bruno Rodriguez Parrila called on Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Thursday and conveyed a message of solidarity and sympathy from the government and people of Cuba to the Oct 8 quake-hit people of Azad kashmir and northern Frontier province.

During the meeting he informed the prime minister that presently 200 Cuban physicians and about 100 para-medics were working in the quake affected areas and 130 more will be joining shortly. Cuba has also sent medical supplies to Pakistan.

THAI DIGNITARY: Vice-Minister of Thailand Somehainuk Engtrakul also called on Prime Minister along with a 3-member delegation.

The Thai minister informed the prime minister that the Thai Airways had started their twice-a-week flights for Islamabad. The first flight which arrived on Wednesday also brought relief goods for the quake victims.

The prime minister thanked the government and the people of Thailand for their assistance.