Joint anti-poverty fight in S. Asia

China will discuss setting up a mechanism for poverty alleviation and disaster relief with South Asian nations, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said yesterday.

At the annual summit of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in New Delhi, he said: "China is ready to have exchanges and expand cooperation to contribute to peace and development in South Asia."

He said China will host training programs for SAARC countries and encourage its enterprises to invest in the infrastructure and energy sectors there. China will also invite senior South Asian diplomats to visit the country this year and host a seminar on China-SAARC relations.