PM confident China trip will help enhance co-operation

Ahead of his visit to China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed confidence that the trip will lay the foundation for enhancing cooperation in a wide range of sectors and strengthen stability, progress and prosperity in Asia.

“Looking forward to visiting China from May 14-16 to boost friendship between our 2 ancient civilizations & 2 largest developing nations,” he tweeted in English and Chinese.

In China, he said, he will visit Xi’an, the native place of President Xi Jinping, besides Beijing and Shanghai.

“I eagerly await productive discussions with President Xi Jinping & Premier Li Keqiang. I am confident my visit will lay the foundation for further enhancing economic co-operation with China in a wide range of sectors,” Modi said in further tweets.

“Am certain that my visit to China will strengthen stability, progress and prosperity in Asia,” he added.

He said he was also looking forward to meeting the captains of industry in Shanghai and sharing with them the wonderful opportunities India has to offer.

Besides China, Modi will also be travelling to Mongolia.

“Glad to visit Mongolia on 17th May to commemorate 60th year of our diplomatic relations and the silver jubilee of Mongolia’s democracy,” he said. Describing Mongolia as “our spiritual friend”, Modi said democracy and Buddhism bind the two countries.

“Looking forward to more trade and investment ties with Mongolia,” he added.

“Honoured to get the opportunity to address the Great Khural on 17th May. I reassure India’s continued support in all areas to Mongolia,” Modi said. Besides China and Mongolia, Modi will also be visiting South Korea where he intends to harness Korean capabilities and investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, ship building, energy and defence production.

“Hello to my friends in the Republic of Korea. I will be visiting this beautiful land of the morning calm once again, on 18th & 19th May,” he said on Twitter. 

“South Korea is a very important pillar of our Act East Policy. We are committed to maximising engagement with the Asia Pacific Region,” he added. The PM said he looks forward to meeting President Park Geun-hye as he warmly recalled his meeting with her in Myanmar in November last year. “Trade & Investment relations are at the core of our bilateral engagement. Korea was 1st OECD country with which India signed a CEPA,” he said.

China on Wednesday said it was keen to strive for “more progress” on the resolution of boundary dispute with India during PM Narendra Modi’s visit to the country next week. “We are now in close communication with the Indian side on preparations to host PM Modi. We believe with our joint efforts we can show PM that we value China-India relations and his visit to China,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said. “The boundary question is an issue of common interest. I believe it will be covered in their talks,” he said.