Chinese Premier accorded ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, who is on a three-day state visit to India, was given a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan here this morning.

He was received by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

He inspected the guard of honour and also met members of the Indian Cabinet.

Talking to reporters here, Keqiang said: "I have had a good beginning to my trip, I am confident that my full trip will be successful."

"With this visit, I hope that both sides increase mutual strategic trust," he added.

Dr. Singh and Li Keqiang will hold comprehensive talks on key bilateral, regional and international issues later today.

Issues including boundary and trade are expected to come up for discussions during the high level interactions.

Earlier, both the leaders held talks on crucial bilateral issues here last evening.

External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai and National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon were present during the talks.

After the restricted talks, Dr. Singh hosted a dinner for the visiting dignitary.

UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley and CPM General Secretary Prakash Karat were among the leaders who attended the dinner.