(June 16, 2010, New Delhi)

Mr. A.K. Upadhyay, Secretary of Youth Affairs and Sports,

Members of Delegation,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am very happy to see you all here in the Embassy and welcome you formally to visit China as the honored guests of Chinese President Hu Jintao. I would like to express my thanks to the Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry of India for their efforts.

Since 2007 the exchange of visits of 100-member youth delegations between India and China has been in operation for four years. About 800 young people from all walks of life of both sides, have visited the other country. These visits have greatly enhanced the mutual trust and good will among the peoples of the two countries. Youth is the future of a nation. The exchanges and interactions between the young generations will surely generate invaluable friendship which will serve as a solid foundation for the future development of a stronger and fruitful relationship between our two countries.

As you may know, this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India. In the past 60 years, mutually beneficial cooperation and common development on the whole has been the main feature of the relationship of our two countries.

Today, China-India relations are developing in all round manner characterized by growing interaction and frequent visits by our leaders, increasing mutual trust, growing shared interests, close cooperation and coordination, mutual respect and mutual benefit, and win-win results. The bilateral economic cooperation has experienced fast growth.

The cooperation between political parties, parliaments and two armies as well as in cultural, science and technology and tourism fields has also witnessed rapid expansion.

In the regional and international affairs, the two countries enjoy close cooperation on issues such as world trade negotiation, climate change, energy and food security, as well as fighting against the financial crisis. Both are committed to working closely and constructively to safeguard the interests of the developing countries.

Recently Indian President Ms. Patil has paid a successful state visit to China. She had a series of meetings with top Chinese leaders and exchanged views on important bilateral relations and international issue of common interests. Ms. Patil's visit will surely further promote the friendly relations between the two countries.

Dear friends,

I believe you are quite excited about the upcoming China trip. The cities you will visit, Shanghai, Hefei and Chongqing, each has its own history, culture, economic and ethnic characteristics, through which you will see a diversified China, a fast-developing China, and a China friendly to India. One of the spots you can not miss is the Shanghai Expo Garden. More than 240 countries, regions and international organizations participate in the Shanghai Expo, making it the largest ever in the world expo history. With the theme of "Better City, Better Life", all countries, including India, will showcase their latest achievement in science and technology especially in green life and environment friendly technology. I hope you will enjoy this spectacular event.

At the same time, you will also see the challenges China is facing and even backwardness and room for improvements. Seeing is believing. We hope through your own eyes and your interaction with youths and people from all walks of life in China, you can have a better understanding of China and become good will ambassadors of our two countries in the future.

Finally I wish you a great time in China and come back with fond memory.

Thank you!