'India-China friendship promoting peace in the world'

Bangalore, Mar 05: Union Minister of State for Planning M V Rajashekharan today (Mar 05, 2006) said friendship and cooperation between India and China is promoting peace in the world and added US President George Bush has also acknowledged it.

''Cooperation and friendship between India-China is a powerful and enduring factor in promoting peace and stability in Asia as well as in the world. US President George Bush, during his last week visit to India, has also acknowledged that the friendship between the two countries (India-China) is necessary for promoting peace in the world,'' he added.

Mr Rajashekharan was speaking as Chief Guest at the celebration of India-China Friendship day organised by India-China Friendship Association, Karnataka here.

He said during the visit of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in 2005 it was decided to celebrate 2006, as India-China Friendship year. The visit resulted in 'establishing new strategic partnership' between the two countries.

Mr Rajashekharan said that India and China - the two Asian giants are leading world powers. ''We must join hands to further strengthen the friendship and in extending cooperation to each other,'' he added.

UNI