CHINA TO SEND DELEGATION TO ISLAMABAD REGIONAL

UNCLAS BEIJING 001230 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: BEXP EAGR EAID ECON ENRG KPWR PREL AF CH SUBJECT: CHINA TO SEND DELEGATION TO ISLAMABAD REGIONAL ECONOMIC COOPERATION CONFERENCE REF: STATE 39779 ¶1. (U) China will send a delegation to the May 13-14 Islamabad Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Asian Affairs Department Deputy Director Cao Jing. The delegation will be headed by MFA Asian Affairs Department Director General Yang Yanyi. Jing said China will assist with Afghan reconstruction "within its capabilities" and views the conference as an important platform for assistance discussions. The Chinese government has already committed USD $180 million to Afghan reconstruction and has pledged another $75 million over the next five years, Jing explained. She did not know whether any members of the private sector would accompany the official delegation. PICCUTA