President Patil to visit China in May

President Pratibha Patil will visit China next month on a four-day visit to commemorate the 60th year of establishment of diplomatic relation between the two countries and inaugurate the first Indian-style Buddhist temple in the country.

During her visit beginning May 26, Patil will inaugurate the Buddhist temple being built by India in the historic city of Luoyang and visit Shanghai World Expo.

Officials of both the countries are currently finalising the schedule of her visit.

As per the tentative programme, Patil would arrive in China on May 26 and would visit Beijing, Loyang and Shanghai.

A six member official team is currently in China to study security and logistics issues.

In Beijing, Patil would be hosted by the top Chinese leadership.

She would travel to Loyang to inaugurate the Buddhist temple, which is also home to the famous White Horse Buddhist temple.

India is building a Buddhist temple close to it.

Patil would also be visiting Shanghai expo where India and a host of other countries have built pavilions highlighting the theme "better city better life".

A number of world leaders, besides large number of tourists are expected to visit the six month long expo which would be inaugurated on April 30.