Wednesday, September 7 2005 10:03 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Beijing: India and China will sign a key Memorandum of Understanding on intelligence sharing and exchange of security-related information during Home Minister Shivraj Patil's visit beginning today (Sept 7, 2005).

Patil, who arrived here at Beijing International Airport, will meet State Councillor and Minister for Public Security Zhou Yongkang to discuss security issues and how to forge closer cooperation on combating terrorism.

He is also scheduled to call on Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao during his five-day visit.

Patil, who is accompanied by Home Secretary V K Duggal and other top officials, was received by Indian Ambassador Nalin Surie and Deputy Chief of Mission Vinay Kwatra.

Besides terrorism, closer cooperation between the police of the two countries to tackle border crimes and holding regular exchanges to share expertise on law and order will be discussed between Patil and the Chinese leaders, the Chinese media reported.

Patil will also visit the Beijing Police Training Academy here. In Shanghai, he will meet Mayor Han Zheng besides visiting the Shanghai Emergency Response Centre in the eastern metropolis.

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, Indian Embassy sources said.

During his stay in Beijing, Patil will also unveil a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at a famous park here.