Xi Jinping Arrives in Gujarat for His State Visit to India
2014-09-17 09:52

On September 17 local time, President Xi Jinping arrived in Ahmedabad of Gujarat, starting his state visit to India.

At around 2:50 pm local time, Xi Jinping arrived at the airport in Ahmedabad by special plane. Xi Jinping and his wife Mme. Peng Liyuan were warmly welcomed by Governor Om Prakash Kohli and Chief Minister Anandiben Patel of Gujarat, Indian Ambassador to China Ashok K Kantha and others.

The national flags of China and India were fluttering in the wind in the airport where hung the giant slogan read, “Gujarat welcomes President Xi Jinping and his wife” in both Chinese and English. Xi Jinping walked along the red carpet onto the reviewing stand and the band played the march. The honor guard composing of 150 female policewomen rifle-saluted Xi Jinping and received his review. Om Prakash Kohli introduced ministers of Gujarat to President Xi Jinping. All the ministers presented a bouquet to Xi Jinping.

Indian youth, dressed in bright-colored costume, performed lithe and graceful traditional dances of Gujarat, and merrily beat waist drums. Xi Jinping stopped to watch and waved to them.

Xi Jinping and his motorcade left the airport for the hotel. Along the way, thousands of Indian people stood at both sides of the road, cheering and waving to welcome the Chinese distinguished guests.

Xi Jinping conveyed Chinese people’s sincere greetings and best wishes to the Indian people. Xi Jinping pointed out that China and India are close neighbors with thousands of years’ history of friendly exchanges. Since the new century, China and India have become the two largest developing countries and emerging markets, become two important forces in world multi-polarization process, and become two major engines for economic growth in Asia. The two great ancient civilizations of China and India move hand in hand towards revitalization is common aspiration of the two peoples. China is willing to join hands with India to forge a closer development partnership and jointly realize the great dream of enriching country and people. I expect to have extensive contacts with President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of various circles either in or out of the Indian government, jointly charting the course and opening up a new situation for bilateral relations.

Wang Huing, Li Zhanshu, Yang Jiechi and other delegation members arrived by the same plane.

H.E. Le Yucheng, Chinese Ambassador to India, also greeted them at the airport.

Gujarat is the first leg of Xi Jinping’s visit in India. Xi Jinping will also continue his Indian tour in New Delhi.

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