– Ambassador in manipur for Sangai fest, holds talks with Ibobi on trade, cultural ties
telegraphindia.com
Khelen Thokchom
November 30, 2015
Chinese ambassador Le Yucheng being felicitated by Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh on Friday. (PTI)
Imphal, Nov. 28: China’s ambassador to India, Le Yucheng, today said the two countries could amicably settle the boundary dispute as China wants good relations with its neighbours, including India.
Yucheng is here for three days to attend Manipur’s 10-day annual Sangai tourism festival, which is under way at Imphal’s Hafta Kangjeibung since November 21.
“On the boundary question, both the countries can resolve the issue. Both have the wisdom to find the solution to the issue. To resolve the boundary question, we need to proceed from the reality of the boundary,” Yucheng said at a news meet here today.
Yucheng, who was invited to the festival by chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh to discuss mutually beneficial issues, is the first Chinese ambassador to visit Manipur.
“Despite disputes and differences, not a single bullet has been fired over the past several decades across the border. This shows that we have managed peace along the border successfully and effectively,” he said.
Yucheng, who has been in India for more than a year, spoke about a wide range of issues concerning the two countries, especially the northeastern states.
He said China was considering expanding border trade with India to benefit people living along both sides of the border.
“With India’s Act East policy coming up, the northeastern states, including Manipur, will benefit immensely and China wants to strengthen economic activities with the Northeast,” he said.
The official stressed the importance of having more cultural exchange programmes with Manipur and the rest of India. He lauded the rich cultural heritage of Manipur, saying he enjoyed Raas Lila. He held lengthy discussions with Ibobi Singh on varied issues concerning Manipur and China.
Yucheng was the chief guest at one of the cultural programmes of the festival and a match of the ongoing international polo tournament, organised at Polo ground here as a part of the tourism festival.
“I discussed Manipur’s economic and social issues with your chief minister. There are bright prospects for cooperation between Manipur and China. I am very grateful to your chief minister for inviting me to this beautiful state,” he said.
Dignitaries of several other countries are also attending the tourism festival.
