Youth delegation to visit China

New Delhi, June 5 (UNI) A 100-member youth delegation will leave here for China on June seven as part of a five-year programme for exchange of youth delegations between the two countries.

The 10-day trip would be the second visit of a delegation to China.

''The youths have been selected after a rigorous selection process, giving representation to almost all the states...they are best and the brightest among those who have studied Chinese culture, language, society and economy. They are the academic scholars on China from India,'' Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mani Shankar Aiyar said at the valedictory function of a two-day workshop which concluded here today.

The workshop included discussions on several issues like economic and political development in China and IT in the two nations.

The visit to China by the Indian delegation is intended to foster and enhance youth to youth contacts between the two countries and consolidate bilateral relations.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Aiyar said during the visit of the Chinese Premier to India in April 2005, it was decided to launch regular youth exchange activities between both the countries.

Later, in the Joint Declaration issued during the visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao during November 2006, the two sides had agreed to launch a five-year programme for an exchange of youth delegations with the Chinese side inviting fuve hundred youths from India over the next five years.

The first 100-member Indian youth delegation had visited China in October 2006 which was followed by a visit of a Chinese delegation to India in November last year.

Mr Aiyar said the delegation includes enterpreneurs, social workers, bravery award winners, sportspersons, artistes, elected repreentatives of local bodies and physically challenged.

The exchange programme involved interaction with local youths, visits to tourist and cultural sites and introduction to economic and social activities. In addition, it also included meetings with economic and political personages and interactive sessions on culture and sports.

UNI