Wen Jiabao calls for enhanced Indo-China ties

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday, starting his three-day visit to India, during which he is expected to help remove the shadow of mistrust between the two nations over many prickly issues, forge trade ties and hammer out a common ground on climate change.

The subject of stapled visa issued by China to Kashmir residents is likely to figure in the talks during the visit which will also mark celebrations of the 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between the two Asian giants and the closing ceremony of Chinese Festival in India.

Stressing on improved bilateral ties, Jiabao, after arriving in India, said, ?Friendship and cooperation between China and India have achieved comprehensive and rapid progress.

The two sides have established and developed the strategic and cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity.?

?China-India relations face major opportunities and enjoy broad prospects. My current visit is aimed at promoting friendship, expanding cooperation, building on our past achievements and opening up new dimensions for mutual benefit and common development of two countries,? he added.

Jiabao further said, ?I will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other Indian leaders and have extensive contacts with people from various sectors of India. I am confident that with our joint efforts China-India relations will embrace an even better future.?

The Chinese Premier arrived by a special aircraft, accompanied by a large business delegation, at the Air Force station, Palam, at 1.45 pm.

Union minister of state for commerce and industry Jyotiraditya Scindia and foreign secretary Nirupama Rao welcomed thee Chinese leader.

Jiabao is scheduled to visit Tagore International School at Vasant Vihar, later on Wednesday.

On Thursday, he will visit Forecourt in Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he will be given a formal reception.

Later, he will lay wreaths on the Samadhi (tomb) of Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat.

Keeping a busy schedule on the same day, the Chinese premier will meet External Affairs Minister S M Krishna and attend a delegation-level talk with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh before a number of agreements are signed between the two nations.

Later on the day, he will call on Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and President Pratibha Patil.

Jiabao will also attend the closing event of the Chinese Festival in India to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two Asian nations.