Mukherjee to visit China on June 4

NEW DELHI: India and China are expected to discuss the vexed boundary dispute, including the recent claim by Beijing over a tiny area of Sikkim, during the visit of External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee to that nation beginning June four.

During his talks with Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Mukherjee is expected to emphasise that the 'finger area' belongs to India and is likely to furnish proof in this regard.

The two sides are also expected to review the progress made on boundary dispute in the 11 rounds of Special Representatives and discuss ways in which forward movement could be made.

The talks on boundary dispute are being held as per the 'Political parameters and guiding principles' agreement reached between the two countries in 2005.

Besides the border dispute, a wide range of other bilateral issues, particularly economic matters, will also be discussed.

The two countries, which have set a bilateral trade target of 60 billion dollars to be achieved by 2010, are expected to discuss ways in which business ties could be enhanced.

During the four-day visit, the two sides would discuss follow-up action on the decisions taken during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's trip to Beijing in January.

He is also the first External Affairs Minister to travel to China on a bilateral visit since 2002.
 
Mukherjee will also meet Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and inaugurate the new Consulate General of India in Guangzhou.