Modi-Xi Informal Summit: From Walk to Boat Ride, What Is On The Itinerary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Wuhan city in Central China, on Friday, ahead of his much anticipated informal meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Wuhan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at picturesque Wuhan city in Central China, at 12:30 a.m. on Friday, ahead of his much anticipated 'informal summit' with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The meeting comes in the backdrop of the efforts made by both India and China to move past the tensions, which rose out of last year's 73-day Doklam standoff.
Prime Minister Modi's Itinerary
Prime Minister Modi will commence his meetings with Chinese President Xi at 3:30 pm on Friday at the Hubei Provincial Museum.
After touring the museum for about an hour, the two leaders, accompanied by six top officials from each side, will hold talks at the sprawling East Lake Guest House, where Xi is staying. The famous villa, was once Chinese leader Mao Zedong’s retreat. The property — a total of three buildings--at the bank of the East Lake of Wuchang-- is set amid pine, bamboo and plum trees. A boat ride by the two principals and a walk among the pines is expected during the two-day event.
Dinner will be hosted by Chinese President Xi at the guest house in central Wuhan. The TOI reports citing sources, that a special Gujarati vegetarian fare has been arranged for Modi. On Saturday, the two leaders will have opportunity to spend time without their aides with Xi taking Modi for a lakeside walk and a boat ride on the picturesque East Lake. The two will be accompanied by their interpreters.
This will be followed by a private lunch hosted by the Chinese President. No joint statement or communique will be issued after PM Narendra Modi holds informal talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
According to sources, the informal talks will be broad-based and over arching. The idea is to open strategic communication channels at the highest level.
A statement released ahead of PM Modi's departure to Wuhan — the venue of the “informal summit”-- Prime Minister Modi underscored that both leaders, during their upcoming dialogue would be looking at the big picture.
Discussions on “a range of issues of bilateral and global importance,” would be shaped by the “visions and priorities for national development, particularly in the context of the current and future international situation,” the statement said.
The Chinese media which acts as the Communist Party's mouthpiece on many occassions has the China Daily saying in an opinion piece this is going to be a landmark meeting which could herald ‘Century of Asia'.
As Xi and Modi work over time with as many as six meetings in a span of 24 hours, the outcome remains to be seen. (With Agency inputs)
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 27, 2018 05:31 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).