Ahead of his visit to New Delhi, China's new Premier Li Keqiang said on Wednesday that India and China "must shake hands" to make Asia an "engine of the world economy".

Addressing the 100-member Indian youth delegation at Zhongnanhai, the imperial gardens housing the headquarters of China's ruling Communist Party and central government, Li spoke warmly about his visit to India 27 years ago as leader of a youth delegation. The fond memories of that visit made him choose India as his first overseas visit after becoming premier, he said.

Li is set to reach New Delhi on May 19. He will be visiting New Delhi and Mumbai during his three-day visit before leaving for Pakistan, Germany and Switzerland.

"Many people in the world believe that in the 21st century, the Asia-Pacific, Asia in particular will play a more important role in global economy and politics and that Asia will become an important engine for the world economy," he said. "For this vision to truly come true, our two countries must shake hands and conduct exchanges so that together we can raise the standing of Asia in the world and truly make Asian economy an important engine for the world economy," he said, as he avoided any references to the recent border stand-off between the two countries.

"The linkage of our two vast markets will bring tangible benefits to people in both the countries and provide strong impetus for world economic growth and prosperity as well as that in Asia," he said.

"People say Asia represents the hope for the future of the world. That I think is because of you, the young people. To turn the hope into reality, we must start with exchanges between the young people of the two countries," he said.

Recalling his earlier visit to India, he said, "What I saw and felt during that trip, visiting Taj Mahal, prestigious Indian universities, research institutes, the warmth and hospitality of Indian people, left a lasting impact on me... In a few days time I will make India the first overseas visit as a Premier of China. I have made this decision not just because India is an important neighbour and one of the populous countries of the world but also because of the seeds of friendship sown during my own youth."

Stressing on friendly relations between the two countries, Li said, "You are from China's friendly neighbour and here, on behalf of the Chinese government, I would like to express our greetings and best regards to you and through you, to all the young people in India," adding that it is "so good to see the young people of China and of India getting along well with each other.

"China and India are friendly neighbours and we are also natural partners. Both our countries stand for amicable and peaceful relations between the countries and a multi-polar world. The peaceful and friendly relations between our two countries is a blessing, not just to Asia but also the whole world," he said.

"As I embark on my visit to India, I hope that you will, during this trip, sow the seeds of friendship and nurture the young sapling of this friendship so that it will grow into a towering tree and strong bridge between out two countries," he said.

 PTI

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