Beijing: With less than two weeks away for Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's proposed visit to China, diplomatic activities, including negotiations on a range of bilateral agreements that are expected to be signed, have reached top gear, official sources said on June 8.

"Though the date of the Prime Ministerial visit has not yet been announced officially, we are working seven days a week of various aspects concerning the visit," an official source said.

"We will release the news of the Indian Prime Minister's visit in due course. But what I can tell you is that the Indian Prime Minister will visit China late this month," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said.

"The Chinese side is now busy preparing for the upcoming visit by Vajpayee. The specific arrangement is being worked out," Zhang added.

Unofficially, the trip is expected to take place from June 22 to 26. This would be Vajpayee second visit to China. He was here last in 1979 when he was Foreign Minister.

She noted that Chinese President Hu Jintao had just met Vajpayee in St. Petersburg in Russia and exchanged views on the Sino-Indian relations and issues of common concern.

"Both sides are satisfied with the recent development of the bilateral ties, and stand ready to work together, enhance cooperation, and promote the continuous development of the bilateral ties," she said.

Hu also used his maiden meeting with Vajpayee to welcome him to China, sources said, adding the Chinese President also appreciated and welcomed Vajpayee's gesture for the improvement of Indo-Pak relations.

PTI