The year 2006 will surely be a year worth special attention in the history of China-India relations because it will be the China-India Friendship Year, which will be the first time in the thousands years of intercourse between China and India. Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Yuxi said optimistically in an interview with People's Daily that the China-India relations will surely open a new page with this occasion.

China and India are two neighboring countries connected by mountains and waters and the friendship between the two peoples has been long standing. Since the establishment of formal diplomatic relationship the bilateral relations have kept advancing to higher levels pushed by both sides.

The relations entered a new phase of development after Premier Wen Jiabao paid a successful visit to India last year. The two sides announced the establishment of a strategic and cooperative partnership oriented toward peace and prosperity, holding of annual strategic dialogue and continuously consolidating collaboration in regional and international affairs. In reflection of the identical wish of the two governments and peoples to boost neighborly friendship, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and promote joint development, Premiers of the two countries agreed on naming the year 2006 the China-India Friendship Year.

On Jan.1 heads and government chiefs of the two countries exchanged congratulations on the New Year and announced the official launch of China-India Friendship Year.

Chinese President Hu Jintao said China is willing, together with India, to further develop the traditional friendship between the two countries, enhance dialogue, exchange and cooperation in various areas and at all levels and continuously enrich the meaning of the bilateral relations so as to promote the comprehensive and in-depth development of the China-India strategic cooperative partnership.

Indian President Abdul Kalam said in the congratulation message that the India-China relations have made gratifying progress in recent years. The two countries decided to establish a strategic and cooperative partnership oriented toward peace and prosperity, which not only demonstrates the two sides' determination to cooperate but also creates conditions for raising the bilateral relations to new high in the "friendship year". Holding the activity of India-China Friendship Year is a milestone in the bilateral relations.

The China-Indian Friendship Year has been unveiled and a series of friendly exchange activities is about to fold out. Ambassador Sun Yuxi told People's Daily that both sides are planning to launch over 50 activities, about one in each week. These activities cover great variety touching on political, economic, cultural, military, sci-tech and education areas. They are an all-round exchange between the two peoples and direct dialogue between the two cultures.

The most eye-catching activity in the political area will be the visit exchange between leaders of the two countries. India has repeatedly invited Chinese President Hu Jintao to visit India and China, too, has sent invitation to Indian PM Manmohan Singh. Leaders of both countries have accepted the invitations and hope to realize the visits this year. Relevant preparations are underway for the visits.

In addition, the 5th meeting of the China-India Panel of Eminent Persons Group and the 7th meeting of special representatives on China-India border question will also be this year's important activities in further boosting political mutual trust and the bilateral ties.

Trade and economic cooperation is another highlight in the rapid advance of the China-India relations in recent years. Bilateral trade reached $18.5 billion last year and is expected to top $20 billion this year. Nathu La Pass on the China-India border will be reopened this year and plans relating to regional free trade are being drafted.

Cultural activities are the most various and play a very important role in transcending cultural barrier and communicating feelings between the two peoples. Main activities include Indian Culture Minister's visit to China; Chinese cultural delegation's visit to India; the consecration ceremony of the India-funded White Horse Temple project in Luoyang; the renovation of the Indian Nalanda-Xuan Zang memorial hall; film festivals in both countries; translations of Chinese, Indian literary classics in both languages; sports exchange activities; Liaoning Beijing Opera Troupe's participation in the Indian opera festival; Shaanxi Culture Week and photography exhibition to be held in India; Indian traditional dancing troupe's visit to China; opening of Chinese tourism website in India etc.

Other important activities include Indian Defense Minister's visit to China; cultural exchange between frontier defense troops of the two countries; joint exercises in anti-terrorism, anti-piracy on the sea; China-India higher learning institutions cooperation seminar; Indian applied technologies exhibition to be held in China and mutual visits of delegations formed by the youth of the two countries etc.

China and India will spend 2006 together. Sun Yuxi said: "Last year I was very busy since bilateral exchanges between the two countries were quite frequent. In the new year I will be even busier. But I enjoy it and never tire with it. I hope from now on every year will be China-India Friendship Year."

By People's Daily Online