Sino-Indian Border Meets Extended to Lohit Valley

New Delhi, Nov 20 (UNI) India and China have moved yet closer in fostering friendlier relations -- especially those pertaining to meetings between their respective Armed Forces -- with a border meet held for the first time in the Lohit Valley of Arunachal Pradesh.

Border meetings between Armed Forces personnel of the two neighbours have traditionally been held at Chushul in Ladakh, Nathu La in Sikkim and Bumla in the Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh.

On Saturday last, it was for the first time that a border meet took place in Area Kibithu, in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh -- marking yet another milestone in the growing relationship and military exchanges between the Armed Forces of the two countries which less than 45 years ago fought a border war and later observed coolth to each other for at least a quarter of a century.

The meeting in the Lohit Valley -- which discussed modalities of conduct of troops of both armies along the border -- was held ''with due pomp and ceremony'' in an area close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The Chinese delegation, led by Col Li Shi Zhong, consisted of six officers besides military photographers and support staff. The Indian side was headed by Brig AK Bardalai.

According to an official spokesperson here, the meeting and exchanges were characterised by ''great warmth and bonhomie''.

Personnel of the Indian Army had gone to ''considerable length to create a very hospitable ambience'' in what is otherwise an area with few facilities in the vicinity, the spokesperson said.

UNI DG VD ND2210