Chinese Ambassador to India, H.E. Mr. Zhang Yan

On the evening of 15 June 2010, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yan held a reception for the Indian youth delegation to China. The delegation will visit Shanghai, Chongqin and Hefei including Shanghai Expo from 17 to 26 June. Mr. A.K. Upadhyay, Secretary of Youth Affairs and Sports and other members of delegation attended the reception.

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

In his address to the delegation, Ambassador Zhang Yan welcomed them to visit China as the honored guests of Chinese President Hu Jintao. He said this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India. China-India relations are developing in an all round manner characterized by growing interaction and frequent visits by leaders of the two countries. Recently Indian President Pratibha Patil paid a successful state visit to China, further promoting mutual understanding and friendly cooperation. The exchange programme of youth delegations between India and China is farsighted and strategic decision by the leaders of the two countries. This upcoming visit will help the Indian youth better understand China.

the Indian youth watching the Shanghai EXPO exhibition

Mr. Upadhyay said the friendship between India and China can trace back to the era of ancient Silk Road. From then on, the exchanges in economic, trade and cultural fields continued. He believed that the youth delegation serving as goodwill ambassadors will bring amity and greetings of Indian people to Chinese people.

On June 16, Political Counsellor of Chinese embassy Mr. He Wei briefed the delegation on China and China-Indian relations.

The youth delegation is headed by minister, state minister and secretary of Youth Affairs and Sports of the Indian Government. The members are selected from thousands of young people all over India.