Wen gets a peek at President’s study

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao today became only the second head of state to be escorted to President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s study. And it i...

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao today became only the second head of state to be escorted to President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s study. And it is only a matter of coincidence that the first was Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

Both were personally taken to the Rashtrapati Bhavan study by the President himself, who wanted to explain his concept of rural development to them. Wen, who had a 40-minute meeting with Kalam, showed a keen interest in rural development, as it was an issue critical for his country too. Both India and China have large rural populations that is economically weak and have still to catch up with the growth in urban centres.

An enthusiastic President invited Wen and the rest of the Chinese delegation to his study, next to the Morning Room where the meeting was taking place. He switched on his personal computer and showed him his concept paper on rural development, titled PURA — Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas.

Story continues below this ad

Kalam explained his idea of rural development to the Chinese Premier, saying the emphasis had to be on improving infrastructure in these areas. The President even gave Wen a copy of his concept paper, informing him that the Government was already working on its implementation.

Kalam and Wen discussed other common areas of interest, said the President’s spokesperson, which included bilateral relations and cooperation in the fields of Information Technology, biotechnology, nanotechnology and space research.

Canada, UK and Australia formally recognise a Palestinian state

World10 hr ago

The UK, Canada, and Australia have recognized Palestine as a state, going against the US and Israel's opposition. British PM Starmer aims to revive peace without Hamas and hostage release. Canada and Australia also recognize Palestine, condemning terrorism. Over 145 UN members recognize Palestine, with France likely to join soon.

View all shorts

Live Blog