31-05-2010 : On Board Special Aircraft
I have just completed my State visit to the People's Republic of China. I had stated on my departure from India that the objective of my visit was to increase trust, friendship and understanding between India and China. My program in China was geared towards this end. I believe, I have accomplished these goals.
My interactions with the Chinese leadership were warm, friendly and cordial. Our discussions were constructive, wide-ranging and fruitful. We agreed to expand, deepen and diversify the Strategic and Cooperative Partnership between our countries. We acknowledged that the India - China relationship has gone beyond its purely bilateral aspect and also has a global dimension. The commitment of the Chinese leadership to strengthening our ties was evident in all my meetings.
In my discussions with the Chinese leadership, I stressed that there is enough space in the world for India and China to grow together. Naturally, we discussed how our two countries can cooperate with each other as we meet the developmental aspirations of our peoples. I highlighted our desire to work with China in meeting the bilateral trade target of US $ 60 billion in 2010. The trends of the first quarter of the year indicate that this is possible. After my discussions in Beijing, I am confident that we can further increase and diversify our economic interaction with China in a balanced manner. The three business to business MoUs signed during the visit are examples in that regard. We also agreed to increase our cooperation and coordination in multilateral economic forums including in the G-20 and the Doha Round of global trade negotiations.
I highlighted the cultural contacts that existed over the millennia between our two ancient civilizations. While recollecting the contributions of personages such as Bodhidharma, Kumarajeeva, Xuan Zang, Dr. Dwarkanath Kotnis, Prof. Tan Yunshan and Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore to India-China relations, I suggested that the Governments of our two countries must expand people-to-people contacts in the present day. We can do so through greater cultural exchanges, tourism, educational linkages and scientific projects. In this context, the Indian-style Buddhist temple I inaugurated at Luoyang had special significance. I hope the temple will encourage young people from our countries to step up contacts between us in the present age. The Tagore bust, I unveiled in Shanghai, should be an inspiration for joint activities as we commence marking his 150th birth anniversary.
I focused attention on India's aspirations for a permanent seat in a reformed United Nations Security Council. President Hu and Premier Wen were understanding and supportive of India's desire. President Hu expressed China's support for India's candidature for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for 2011-2012.
One agreement and two MOUs between India and China were signed in Beijing in the presence of President Hu and myself. Each of them will aid the process of further enhancing bilateral ties.
In addition, an MoU was concluded between Indian Council of Cultural Relations and Fudan University, which should serve as an encouragement for the greater contacts that we seek to build through student exchanges and inter-University contacts.
I was very pleased to visit Shanghai, the commercial and financial capital of China. I visited the ongoing Shanghai World Expo 2010 including the India pavilion and the China national pavilion. I met the Indian community in Shanghai, which though small, is vibrant and active as a bridge between India and China. I was also very pleased to address an India - China business meeting to encourage businesspersons from both our countries to promote our bilateral economic exchanges.
After my visit to China and my meetings with the Chinese leadership, I am convinced that there is great potential for growth in India - China relations. All of us, whether in Government or in civil society, must contribute to this effort. I believe my successful visit to China has been a step in this direction.
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