India and China must shake hands: Li Keqiang 

China's new Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday said 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 to choose India to be the fist overseas visit, he said. Li will reach New Delhi on May 19. "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. "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 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 visit to India over two decade and half decades ago, he said, "What I saw and felt during that trip, visiting Taj Mahal and prestigious Indian Universities, research institutes and warmth and hospitality of Indian people, left a lasting impact on me". "In a few days time I will make India the first stop of 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", he said "Both China and India are ancient civilisations. We have created great civilisations that can make mankind proud and our two countries are proud historical tradition of cultural interflows and now the conditions are even better faced to learn from each other culturally," he said. "China and India are friendly neighbours and we are also natural partners. Both of 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 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 towering tree and strong bridge between out two countries," he said. Li will be visiting New Delhi and Mumbai during his three day visit before leaving for Pakistan, Germany and Switzerland.