Border issue on agenda as Pranab leaves for China today

On the ceremonial front, a joint commemorative postal stamp will be released as a mark of celebration of partnership between the two countries.

The Chinese foreign minister will be hosting a dinner for Mukherjee at a special palace in the Forbidden City. The dinner will be attended by eight eminent Chinese personalities from different walks of life, including a table tennis champion and a traditional painter who will make an on-the-spot portrait of the visiting minister.

While the ceremonial content in the visit is quite high, talks on the boundary issue will be prioritised on the agenda of the meet between Mukherjee and Bingguo.

On his way back, the minister is expected to visit Chengdu, where India’s relief efforts are being carried out for the quake-affected Sichuan province. Mukherjee, during his visit, will also impress upon the Chinese Government to allow maximum number of batches to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

The minister’s visit will also witness the two sides talk about global issues confronting the world, including climate change, terrorism and trade relationships.