Chinese Prez's India visit to enhance co-op

Beijing, Sept 7: Taking further the on-going process of high-level exchanges, Chinese President Hu Jintao will visit India in November this year to ''increase understanding, friendship and cooperation'' between Beijing and New Delhi.

Assistant Foreign Minister Kong Quan told a visiting Indian press delegation that the President's visit would play a major role in propelling the building of a constructive partnership, based on cooperation.

''This will be the first visit of the head of state of China to India in a decade,'' he said.

Though the dates are still being finalised in consultation with Indian officials, the Minister said preparations were on in line with ''political and protocol aspects.'' Asked about the agenda for official meetings, he said during such visits ''usually, there are economic discussions, political talk, meetings and may be some agreements.'' Mr Quan said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's meeting with his Indian counterpart, during the former's India visit last year, was targeted to push Sino-Indian trade to 20 billion dollars by 2008.

However, the present indication is that this may be achieved by the end of this year.

Asked if China considered India as just a potential ally, friend or a trade partner, he said, ''India and China are growing countries, having many common factors. Both had splendid civilisations and a long history of friendship. There is a strong desire for a firmer bilateral relationship for mutual benefit.

''There is a great trade potential beteenn them as both have achieved high standards.''

UNI