China keen to strengthen ties with India: Envoy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Advocating a long standing and peaceful relations with India, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yan has called for a better cultural and economic ties between the two neighbouring countries.

"As fast growing economic powers, it was in the interest of both countries to strengthen mutual ties," Zhang said while inaugurating the Kerala Chapter of the India-China Economic and Cultural Council (ICECC) here last evening.

"What China wished was permanent peace in Asia and strong ties between the countries was a major factor in ensuring that," he said.

He said China's cultural ties with India dated back to centuries and this could be further cemented by increased co-operation in areas like commerce and tourism.

Kerala Home and Tourism Minister, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, who spoke on the occasion said formation of the Kerala Chapter of the Council would help strengthen India-China ties, especially in tourism.