 "India, China to further strengthen bilateral relations through youth exchange programmes")
A 12 member core group of Chinese youth delegation led by Xu Xiao, Secretary, Central Committee, and Communist Youth League of China called on the Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Jitendra Singh here today.
During their 40-minute meeting, both sides discussed matters relating to youth affairs and further strengthening bilateral relations between India and China through youth exchange programmes.
Welcoming the Chinese delegation, Jitendra Singh said, both countries have many complementary strengths and there is a lot that they can learn from each other. He said, in addition, there is a lot that the rest of the world can learn from both the countries, as both India and China develop fast and challenge the till recent dominant view that models of economic and social development are to always come from the West.
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Recalling the historical relations between the two countries, Jitendra Singh said, India attaches the highest priority to its relations with China and is committed to further developing friendly and cooperative relations with China. He said, both countries have established a Strategic and Cooperative Partnership for peace and prosperity.
The Minister said, youth organizations of India such as Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) and National Service Scheme (NSS) can work together with their Chinese counterparts to channelize the youth energy towards nation building.
He expressed the hope that the current visit of a delegation of 98 youth from China will further strengthen the bonds of friendship and mutual understanding between the two great neighbouring countries.
He said, the visit will also facilitate exchange of ideas, cultural, political and economic relations between the two countries and enhance regional co-operation and world peace.
Xu Xiao said, youth exchange programme between the two countries will further strengthen the bilateral relations.
He said, both India and China have large population of young persons who can contribute immensely in nation building. The visiting dignitary said that both the countries can mutually benefit with exchange of visits of young politicians, young scholars and young media persons as part of the youth delegation for better mutual understanding between the two countries.
He said, there is a potential of cooperation and exchange of ideas between the organisations such as NSS of India and Chinese Young Volunteers Association.
Xu Xiao further said that 2014 has been designated as the "Year of Friendly Exchanges" between the two countries and expressed the hope that the more delegates will exchange visits between the two countries. The Chinese leader congratulated the Minister on the recent successful launch of the Mars Mission by India.
The 98 member Chinese Youth delegation arrived in New Delhi this morning on a week-long visit to India. During their stay the delegation would be visiting Delhi, Agra and Mumbai.
The delegation is visiting historical sites in Delhi like Humayun Tomb, Qutub Minar, National Museum etc. While visiting Agra Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, and Agra Fort will be covered. To showcase India's development in the field of education, the delegation will be taken to colleges in Delhi.
This is the eighth youth exchange programme being organized with China. The exchange of youth delegations with friendly countries is taken up on a reciprocal basis for promoting exchange of ideas, values and culture amongst the youth of different countries and also to develop international understanding.