Patil's China trip: Political dialogue, economic ties in focus

New Delhi, May 19 (PTI) Political dialogue, cultural
diplomacy and economic cooperation will be three crucial
components of Indian President Pratibha Patil's maiden visit
to China from May 26 during which she will also inaugurate the
first Indian-style Buddhist temple 'white horse' in Luoyang.

The five-day visit will also focus on further
strengthening Indo-China ties, which had witnessed several
unpleasant incidents a few months back including Chinese
incursions in Leh and verbal duel between the leaders of the
two countries over Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh.
Patil has been invited by her Chinese counterpart Hu
Jintao and her visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of
the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and
China.
"She will visit Beijing, Luoyang and Shanghai. During
delegation-level talks with President Hu, the two sides will
discuss bilateral, regional and global issues," an External
Affairs Ministry statement said here on Wednesday.
The President will also meet other Chinese leaders,
including Chairman of the National People's Congress Wu
Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao.
In Luoyang, the President will dedicate to the Chinese
people an Indian-style Buddhist temple 'white house', which
was inspired by the Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh. It took
five years to build the temple at a cost of USD four million.
The President will also visit the country's commercial
hub Shanghai where she will visit the Shanghai Expo 2010 and
meet the India-China Business Forum members. PTI PYK
DEP