Patil Calls on Jiabao, Discusses Bilateral Issues

Indian President Pratibha Patil today held discussions with Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao on bilateral issues of mutual interest, said media reports.

Jiabao described Patil’s visit as ‘significant’ as it coincided with the 60th year of establishment of Sino-India diplomatic ties, reports said.

Earlier, the Chinese premier warmly welcomed Patil at the Great Hall of the People.

“It is a great pleasure to have you here. Let me welcome you to China. You are the first (Indian) President to visit in a decade,” Jiabao was quoted as saying while welcoming Patil.

He said that Patil’s visit was ‘significant’, for it came at a time when the two countries were commemorating the 60th year of establishment of diplomatic relations, said reports.

Referring to the India-style Buddhist temple in Loyang in central China, which Patil will inaugurate during her six-day visit, Jiabao said that this is yet another effort by the two countries to promote friendly relations, reports said.

He said that he would hold discussions on all bilateral issues of mutual interest with Patil, said reports.

While Patil, in her remarks, said: “I am very much pleased to visit you in China and I thank for the hospitality extended to me and my delegation. Excellent arrangements have been made for the visit and I thank you for that.”

Issues like issuance of stapled visas to Kashmiris by China and Beijing’s support for India’s bid for a permanent seat in the UNSC are believed to have figured during the discussions.

(Based on internet reports)