Press Release

Call on EAM by Party Secretary of Sichuan province in China

11/11/2009

H.E. Mr. LIU QIBAO, Party Secretary of Sichuan province of the People’s Republic of China, who is currently on a visit to India, called on the External Affairs Minister in New Delhi today.

2. They had a fruitful exchange of views on bilateral issues. H.E. Mr. LIU conveyed greetings from the Chinese leadership to the Indian leaders. He said that China welcomes the rapid growth of India’s economy and in its international standing, and that it is the policy of the Chinese Communist Party and of the Chinese Government to develop friendly relations with India. H.E. Mr. LIU added that in recent years there has been a very sound momentum in India-China relations, based on the consensus reached by leaders of both countries on establishing a Strategic and Cooperative Partnership. He emphasized that friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries is important for peace and development in Asia and in the world. He also briefed External Affairs Minister on the manner in which China has handled the effects of the global economic crisis.

3. H.E. Mr. LIU said that China welcomes more investment and trade with India, and that he looks forward to welcoming more Indian companies in Sichuan province. He told the External Affairs Minister that during his visit to Bangalore, he had discussed specific projects with Indian companies. He also recalled the assistance given by Government of India during the devastating earthquake in Sichuan province last year, and expressed gratitude to the people of India on behalf of the people of Sichuan province.

4. The External Affairs Minister told H.E. Mr. LIU that the Government of India desires to build a strong and stable relationship with the People’s Republic of China, and to develop strong bonds of friendship between the two peoples. The External Affairs Minister said that, like China, India also wishes to see enhanced trade and investment between the two countries, and that the Government of India is ready to work with China towards achieving the full potential of our bilateral relationship. EAM recalled his friendly discussions with the Foreign Minister of China in Bangalore last month, and the meeting between the Prime Ministers in the margins of the East Asia Summit. He said that these had been positive meetings and that both sides had agreed on the importance of strengthening bilateral relations. He emphasized that both countries can work together in the spirit of the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership, and join hands as major emerging economies.

H.E. Mr. LIU invited External Affairs Minister to visit Sichuan province during his next visit to China.

New Delhi
November 11, 2009