Bilateral trade target wish India to be achieved by 2010: Envoy

New Delhi, Mar 7 (UNI) Chinese Ambassador to India Zhang Van has expressed the hope that the target of 60 billion dollars bilateral trade with India would be achieved by 2010.

Speaking at a dinner meeting organised by Unity International Foundation here last night, the Ambassador said ''Indo-Sino relations have been progressing on the fast track in all spheres.

The two sides pledged to promote building a harmonious world of durable peace and common prosperity through developing 'Strategic and Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity'.'' The meeting was attended by Kerala Governor R L Bhatia, former Governor Bhisma Narain Singh, Ambassadors of Germany, Jordan, Tunisia and the Arab League, besides General Secretary of the Foundation R N Anil.

Mr Zhang said China attached great importance to its relations with China. ''We hold that the two countries have more consensus than differences. The relationship has gone well beyond the bilateral context and acquired global and strategic dimensions.'' He, however, stated that the strong bilateral ties have not gone well with some countries.

''There are people who are not quite happy about the current development in bilateral relations. But the advancement of friendly cooperative ties is irreversible and totally in line with the interests of our two countries,'' he further stated.

Mr Bhatia said India's relations with China were based on the principles of 'Panchsheel'. The two countries have shown determination to further enhance their ties in all sectors. He further said India and China share about 4,000 Km long border. They should focus their ties on building strong economic and political relations.

Mr Bhisma Naraian Singh and Mr Anil also spoke of strong bilateral ties between the two countries. They appreciated Unity International's contribution towards strengthening the relations between the two neighbouring countries.

UNI SMA SHB RN1643