A Chinese engineer, who was released Saturday in northwestern Pakistan, arrived at the Chinese embassy in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad early Sunday morning.

Long Xiaowei

Ambassador Luo Zhaohui met with Long Xiaowei, who was kidnapped last August by Pakistani Taliban and kept in custody since then.

Luo offered greetings to Long on behalf of the Chinese government and relevant authorities. He also expressed thanks to the Pakistani authorities for their great effort for Long's release.

Luo said that the Chinese embassy would make more efforts for the safety and protection of Chinese citizens in Pakistan and would strengthen security measures together with the Pakistani side.

Long, now in good condition, expressed his thanks to the Chinese government, the embassy and the Pakistani authorities for his final release.

(Xinhua News Agency February 15, 2009)