PRESS RELEASE

 

The first meeting of India-China Annual Defence Dialogue was held in Beijing from November 12-13, 2007.  The Indian delegation was led by Shri Bimal Julka, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence while the Chinese side was led by Maj. Gen. Qian Lihua, Director General, Foreign Affairs Office, Ministry of National Defence.

 

The Indian delegation met the Chief of General Staff and Member of the Central Military Commission, Gen. Chen Bingde.

 

       During the Annual Defence Dialogue, the two sides discussed ways to broaden and deepen defence exchanges.  They were of the view that strengthening contacts in the field of defence was vital to enhancing mutual trust and understanding, ensuring a peaceful environment for pursuing national development objectives, and maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world.  The discussions were held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere.

 

       In the forenoon of November 13, 2007, the Indian delegation visited the Academy of Military Science, Beijing.

 

       It may be recalled that during the visit of the Defence Minister of India to China in May 2006, an MoU was signed between the two countries which, inter alia, provided for the establishment of the above-mentioned Dialogue Mechanism.

 

Place:  Beijing

Date:  November 13, 2007