Mukherjee arrives in Beijing, to hold talks with Xi

By Gaurav Sharma

Beijing, May 25 (IANS) Indian President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday reached Beijing, on the second and last leg of his four-day China visit, where he will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and other top leaders.

After meeting Indian and Chinese businessmen in south China's heavily industrialised city Guangzhou, Mukherjee arrived in Beijing on Wednesday evening where he was received by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin.

In the meeting with Xi on Thursday, Mukherjee is likely to discuss China blocking India's bid at the UN to declare Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar a terrorist.

China's styming of India's bid for entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group is also likely to come up. Mukherjee will also meet Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Besides, Mukherjee will also visit Peking University which recently ranked 21 in the world's 100 top varsities.

Earlier in Guangzhou, Mukherjee met Governor of Guangdong Zhu Xiaodam. He arrived here on Tuesday.

He also invited Chinese investors to India.

"To realize the full potential of our economic partnership, it is important to bridge the information gap between our business communities. India is committed to providing a conducive environment for more investments from China," Mukherjee said at the India-China Business Forum in Guangzhou.

"We believe that stepping up our two-way trade and investment flows will be of mutual benefit to both our nations. We welcome Chinese investments and entrepreneurs to participate in 'Make in India' and other flagship initiatives of Government of India," Mukherjee added.

Mukherjee leaves for New Delhi on May 27.