REMARKS BY PRIME MINISTER AT THE FOUNDATION STONE-LAYING CEREMONY
OF NEW INDIAN EMBASSY AT BEIJING
The following is
the text of the remarks by Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee
at the foundation stone-laying ceremony at Beijing, China today:
"I am happy to have
the opportunity to stand on the soil that will soon be the premises
of our new Embassy in this impressive city.
In the twenty-four
hours since I arrived in China, I have seen the rapid pace of
change that is transforming this city tangibly. A new and impressive
city is being created to represent this ancient civilization.
However, this process will not be complete without a building
from our country, which is heir to an equally ancient civilization,
with a long history of friendly contact with China.
The new building
must be representative of both this long history of friendship,
as well as our own cultural traditions. The new building must
be a symbol of modern India, while being appropriate to the environment
within which it is located. In many ways, it must be what our
diplomats have to be abroad.
The project is part
of the Government policy of acquiring and building our own properties
abroad. I am told that the project will be completed within four
years. I hope that the deadline will be met.
I wish you all the
best in this endeavour.
Thank you."
