Lots of things to discuss, says PM in Beijing

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said India and China have "lots of things to discuss" as he arrived here on an official visit Tuesday.

The prime minister was given a ceremonial welcome on a rain-drenched Beijing International Airport Tuesday evening. He was received by Zhai Jun, the vice minister of foreign affairs.

In a short speech, the prime minister said he was very happy to be visiting China. He described China as a "great neighbour" and added that both countries have centuries-old civilisational links.

"There are lots of things we have to discuss. I am looking forward to promote further cooperation between our two countries, between the leadership of China and myself."

According to an informed source, "all issues would be on the table" when Manmohan Singh meets his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang Wednesday in the Great Hall of the People.

All issues would be discussed between the two leaders, including of stapled visas, maintaining peace and tranquillity on their over 4,000-km long boundary and the adverse trade balance, the source said.

In an interview to Chinese dailies, Prime Minister Singh has said that India and China are committed to maintaining peace and tranquillity on the border which is an "important guarantor and a fundamental basis" for future growth in bilateral ties.

He termed the boundary question as "complex and sensitive".

He would hold restricted and delegation level talks with Premier Li, after which there would be signing of agreements and a joint statement.

In the evening, he would attend a banquet hosted by President Xi Jinping.

The prime minister arrived in Beijing from Moscow where he had gone to attend bilateral summit talks with President Vladimir Putin.

(Ranjana Narayan can be contacted at ranjana.n@ians.in)