At the invitation of Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China H.E. Wen Jiabao, Prime Minister of the Republic of India H.E. Atal Bihari Vajpayee paid an official visit to the People’s Republic of China from 22 to 27 June 2003.

During this visit, recalling the historical and cultural links between China and India, and desirous of promoting the development of cultural relations between their countries, the two sides have signed theMemorandum of Understanding between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of India on the Reciprocal Establishment of Cultural Centers.Both sides agreed to set up Cultural Centers in each other’s capitals and will facilitate their establishment.

The two sides have also signed theExecutive Programme of the Cultural Exchanges Between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of India for the Year 2003-2005.According to this, the exchanges and co operations between China and India in the fields of arts and culture, education, social sciences, mass media, youth affairs, and sports etc. will be highly strengthened.