Chinese minister leaves Goa after reviewing BRICS preparations (Roundup)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi left for New Delhi on Friday evening after a day-long visit to Goa during which he reviewed logistical and security arrangements in the state which is hosting the upcoming BRICS summit which Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to attend.

Wang, during his brief interaction with reporters at the Secretariat, also asked India to decide its position vis-a-vis the South China sea row.

The Chinese delegation led by Wang met Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, Governor Mridula Sinha as well as top officials in-charge of organising logistics and security for the BRICS event.

He visited two coastal resorts being short-listed as venues for the BRICS meet and which will host Chinese delegates during the two-day event in October.

"Goa has a time honoured history, beautiful landscape, rich resources and hardworking people and is one of the most developed states in India. Goa is small, but beautiful," Wang said after meeting Chief Minister Parsekar.

"I believe this state is an epitome of the future and bright prospect of India. I am sure the BRICS summit will put Goa at an even bigger stage," he added.

"Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi has invited Chinese President Xi to attend the BRICS summit. Now that I am paying a visit to India I have come to the state of Goa to take a look at the venues."

Asked to comment on whether China was seeking support from India on the South China Sea, Wang said: "It is up to India to decide what position to take."

Speaking to reporters, Parsekar said Wang showed interest in two technology-related projects promoted by his government.

"He has shown interest in Goa's electronic city and IT Park and said that after the BRICS summit they would be interested in bringing investment here. Especially there is scope for investment in electronic city, because we are in a budding stage," Parsekar said.

The Electronic City at Tuem village and the IT Park at Chimbel village are two pet projects of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in Goa.

"The central government has given Goa the opportunity to host the BRICS summit. It shows the significance which has been given to Goa by the Prime Minister. Goa and China share historic ties," Parsekar said.

Wang is expected to meet his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi on Saturday.

--IANS

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