(New Delhi, 25 April 2011)

His Excellency Prof. Rajni Abbi, Mayor of Delhi ,

His Excellency Mr. Jiang Jufeng, Governor of Sichuan Province

General Secretary Mr. Feng Xiwang, State Council Information Office

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am very happy to attend this opening ceremony of the "Enchanting Sichuan-Charming China" Photo Exhibition. This exhibition is part of "Experience China· Sichuan Week in India", as well as one of the programmes of the "Year of China-India Exchange" declared jointly leaders of our two countries last year.

To dedicate this year for exchange between China and India is aiming at further encouraging and facilitating the growing interactions between our two countries in political, economic, culture and other fields with a view to deepen mutual understandings and promote cooperation between our two countries and two peoples.

This exhibition, "Enchanting Sichuan-Charming China", consists of about 90 photographs, showcasesing the breath-taking natural landscapes, colorful ethnic customs and recent economic development of Sichuan Province, as well as the new face of the 2008 earthquake-stricken area. Known as the Land of Abundance and home of giant panda, Sichuan is endowed with rich natural resources and diversified cultural heritage. Sichuan is also an important province that has enjoyed a long history of exchanges and close ties with India and other South Asian Countries. The photo exhibition will give you a glimpse of all aspects of Sichuan province and the life and work of ordinary people in that part of China.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Governor Jiang Jufeng of Sichuan Province, Mr. Feng Xiwang, General secretary of State Council Information Office of China, and the Unity International Foundation and All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society for the support and contribution. It is with your valuable supports and efforts that made this exhibition possible. My thanks also should go to H. E. Mayor of Delhi, Prof. Rajini Abbi, who accepted my invitation of be the chief guest of this important occasion. Your presence demonstrates the friendly sentiment of Indian people towards the Chinese people.

I wish this exhibition a great success.

Thank you!