Thursday, March 24 2005 17:54 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Beijing: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will undertake a 'major diplomatic mission' to four South Asian countries, including India, from April 5 to 12 to increase mutual trust and propel Beijing's relations with the region to a 'new high,' a senior official said in Beijing today (Mar 24, 2005).

"I believe that this visit will bring the relationship between China and South Asian countries to a new high," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao told reporters while announcing Wen's visit to Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India from April 5 to 12.

Though he gave no specific country-wise dates, official sources said Wen would be in India on a state visit from April 9 to 12, visiting Bangalore and New Delhi.

Wen, who would be in India soon after the two countries celebrate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, has already expressed hope that the 55th anniversary will become a new point of departure for deeper friendship and better cooperation between the two countries.

"Our relations have entered a new stage," Wen said recently at his annual press conference, stressing that China and India are not competitors but friends.

Liu said Wen will also attend the fourth meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) to be held in Islamabad on April 6th and make a keynote speech.

This is the first visit to the four countries by Wen, who ranks number three in the ruling Communist Party hierarchy.

Liu said the visit marks yet another "major diplomatic mission" undertaken by Chinese leaders to enhance friendship with neighbouring countries.

"This visit is a major diplomatic mission by Chinese leaders to neighbouring countries this year," Liu said.

The purpose of the visit is to increase trust, deepen friendship, expand cooperation and plan a better future, following the principle of treating neighbours as friends and partners, he said.

During the visit, the leaders will exchange views on further friendship and cooperation and issues of mutual interest, he said.

"South Asia and China belong to Asia. China has maintained friendship with countries in South Asia. Both China and countries in South Asia are developing countries. The two sides have broad consensus in maintaining world peace and development," he said.

During his visit to Pakistan, the first leg of Wen's visit, Liu said the Chinese Premier will meet his Pakistani counterpart Shaukat Aziz as well as President Pervez Musharraf.

"He will exchange views with the Pakistani President and Prime Minister on how to enhance bilateral relations and how to further the all-weather relations between China and Pakistan. I believe this visit will promote China-Pakistan friendship," the spokesman said.