SPEECH
BY SHRI K.R.NARAYANAN, PRESIDENT OF INDIA, WHILE RECEIVING CREDENTIALS FROM MR. HUA JUNDUO,
AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 14, 2001
Excellency,
It gives
me great pleasure to accept the Letter of Credence by which His Excellency
Mr. Jiang Zemin, President of the People_s Republic of China, appoints
you as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People_s
Republic of China to the Republic of India.
India
and China are close neighbours. We greatly value the spiritual and intellectual
interaction between our two great peoples and civilisations over the last
two millennia, which has enriched us both. More than half-a-century ago
we regained our independence and renewed our historic ties as two modern
nation-states. The commonality of our historical experiences and shared
perspectives for the future led, in 1954, to the joint enunciation of Panchsheel, the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, by Prime
Minister Nehru and Premier Zhou Enlai. Despite the changes that have taken
place in the past fifty years, these principles continue to provide the
basis for our bilateral relations. They also continue to be relevant in
the conduct of international relations.
India
attaches importance to the development of friendly, good neighbourly,
mutually beneficial and co-operative relations with China on the basis
of Panchsheel, mutual sensitivity to each other’s concerns and
equality. Both our countries are engaged in the effort of economic development
to bring prosperity to our two peoples. It is natural that India and China
must work together for peace and stability in Asia and in the world.
There
is much common ground upon which India and China can continue to build
mutually beneficial interaction in diverse fields. India is committed
to the expansion and diversification of our relationship. We will persist
with this even as we address ourselves to the unresolved issues between
us through peaceful consultations. I am confident that, through our joint
efforts, we can build a long term and stable co-operative relationship
in the new century.
I wish
you success in your assignment as Ambassador of the People_s Republic
of China to India. I am confident that you will make efforts to enhance
co-operation, understanding and friendship between our two peoples and
countries. I would like to take this opportunity to assure you of all
necessary co-operation and assistance from the Government of India. I
would also like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation of
the distinguished services rendered by your esteemed predecessor Ambassador
Zhou Gang.
Please
also convey, Excellency, my good wishes and those Mr. Jiang Zemin, President
of the People's Republic of China.
Thank you
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