Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is arriving in New Delhi tomorrow on a 3 day official visit amidst optimism of expanding of cooperation between the two countries substantially. A large business delegation is also accompanying him. He is due to visit both New Delhi and Mumbai.
External Affairs Ministry Spokersperson Syed Akbaruddin said New Delhi is highly hopeful that the visit will enhance mutual trust and understanding between the people and leadership on sensitivities of two countries. Briefing newsmen in New Delhi today, he said Prime minister Manmohan Singh is hosting a dinner in honour of Li Kequiang arriving in New Delhi tomorrow afternoon. During the visit, both leaders are expected to discuss the entire gamut of India-China relations.
He said India has accorded priority to relations with China which needs to be carefully nurtured and India-China relations are important for the 21st Century as it evolves into both regional and global significance. Akbaruddin said, India also acknowledges Premier Li Kequang's noble gesture of choosing New Delhi for his first overseas destination after taking over in March.
AIR correspondent reports, progress on Border Defence Cooperation Agreement between the two countries is also likely to come up for discussions during Li Kequangs visit.
Chinese analysts in Beijing say that the visit of the Chinese Premier aimmed at breaking new ground amid recent border stand-off, could also focus on the need for settlement of border dispute besides boosting trade. Victor Gao Zhikai, noted Chinese current affairs commentator and Director China National Association of International Studies said China has resolved border dispute with 13 of its 14 neighbours including Russia leaving India the only country to settle such a problem. He said China and India have come to terms to resolve it.
Li, is scheduled to address first CEO Forum of the two countries where he is expected to announce new initiatives to boost bilateral trade and to provide more access to Indian goods to Chinese markets to reduce the nearly 30 billion dollar trade deficit.
