Monday, September 5 2005 20:05 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Beijing: Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil will pay a five-day visit to China from Wednesday (Sept 7, 2005) as part of the high-level bilateral exchanges to further and diversify the ties between the two nations, the Indian Embassy said here today (Sept 5, 2005).

Patil will be on his first official visit to China at the invitation of State Councillor and Minister of Public Security, Zhou Yongkang, from September 7 to 11, 2005.

"The visit of the Home Minister is part of the process of continuing high-level bilateral exchanges and will contribute to the further development and diversification of bilateral relations in accordance with the Declaration of June 2003 and the Joint Statement of April 2005," the Embassy said in a press statement.

During his stay, Patil will hold discussions with Zhou on areas of mutual interest and will also call on other Chinese leaders, it said.

Apart from Beijing, the Home Minister will also visit Shanghai, China's largest city and business hub.