India PM visits Olympic village

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 01-14-2008 08:48

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has arrived for a three-day official visit. On his first day in China on Sunday, he visited Beijing's Olympic Village, expressing good wishes for the success of the 2008 Olympics.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (C) addresses the media during his visit to the exhibition center showcasing scale models of China''s Olympic venues in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 13, 2008.(Xinhua Photo)

Manmohan Singh was accompanied by Vice Mayor Chen Gang on his visit to the Olympic Village. He was shown models of facilities, including the Bird's Nest, the Water Cube and the Olympic Green.

Singh said the infrastructure and other work Beijing has done for the Olympics merit attention from the Indian people in preparing for other big events, like the Commonwealth Games. And he delivered best wishes for the success of the Games in August.

This is Prime Minister Singh's first visit to China since he assumed office in 2004.

Prior to his visit, Manmohan Singh said he will hold free and frank discussions with Chinese leaders on all issues of common concern.

A Chinese official confirmed the two governments will finalize various agreements.

China's ambassador to India Zhang YAn said, "There will be some new plans to promote political exchange and cooperation. The two sides will adopt new initiatives in trade, science, culture and the military."

Other issues up for discussion include UN reforms, regional dialogue, climate change, energy security, border disputes, and counter-terrorism.

The world's two most populous countries share similar challenges and opportunities on the road to development. China and India are now trying to find ways to bridge their differences. Experts say although the disputed border issue is unlikely to be solved soon, it will not overshadow the two sides' interest in maintaining regional peace and stability.

Editor:Zhang Ning