China understands the importance of Kailash Yatra: Envoy

New Delhi [India], Oct 12 (ANI): China respects the freedom of religion and understands the importance of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Indian pilgrims, the Chinese Ambassador to India, Luo Zhaohui, said on Friday.

Addressing the media here, Zhaohui opined that pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Yatra are "envoys of friendship."

"The two foreign ministries (India and China) have done a lot to make your dreams come true. The Chinese government really respects the freedom of religion and understands the importance of the Yatra for you," Zhaohui said.

Reiterating the importance of strong Indo-China ties, Zhaohui said that both countries should work towards establishing a friendship park in the Mansarovar region in the future, adding that it was his dream to see to the fruition of the same.

"Every time Tarun Vijay (representative of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatri Sangh at the meet) and I get together, we're always talking about the Yatra, on how to open more routes and how to upgrade service for the Yatris. That sentiment is not only for Yatris, it is also the sentiment towards China-India friendship," Zhaohui said.

While stating that the Chinese government has laid emphasis on economically developing the region, the ambassador said that there has been "tremendous improvement in service" in the region as compared with the past.

The Chinese Ambassador acknowledged the Yatra as a means of transnational cooperation, saying that all suggestions put forth by the pilgrims would be carried forward and implemented for the benefit of the two countries.

Zhaohui also suggested that the pilgrims undergo timely health checkups before visiting the high-altitude region.