President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, who is on a six-day State visit to China, will dedicate Chinese people an Indian-style Buddhist temple at the White Horse Temple complex at Luoyang in Henan province today. The temple has been built over five years at a cost of 4 million dollars. <br/>Patil, who had discussions with Chinese leadership in Beijing including President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and Chairman of National Peoples Congress Wu Bangguo, has said that the bilateral talks were very fruitful and positive. China’s assurance to support India’s desire to play a greater role in the United Nations, especially the Security Council is a major outcome of the meetings. Three agreements, including streamlining visa formalities of airline staff of both the countries were also signed. Besides expanding the business volume, it was also decided to diversify the trade basket. It was emphasised that bilateral relations should also be expanded in the fields of education, culture, science & technology and agriculture. When the issue of Tibet was raised during the discussion, India made it clear that there is no change in its stand.<br/>The colourful programme held to celebrate the 60th anniversary year of Indo-China diplomatic relations provided yet another forum for both the countries to reaffirm their determination to further strengthen the strategic and cooperative ties. President Patil said on the occasion that there is growing scope for cooperation between two countries. In the international arena too, the common interests and shared concerns of both the countries provide the basis for working together. <br/>Professopr Devendra Shukla of Department of South Asian Studies Centre for Indian Studies in Beijing, who is covering the President visit, spoke to AIR Correspondent said more cultural interactions may be held to enhance people to people contact.<br/>
News On AIR | May 29, 2010 9:01 AM
President’s gift to China: A Buddha temple