China welcomes India’s decision to introduce Chinese as foreign language

NEW DELHI - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Thursday welcomed a decision by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) of India to introduce Chinese as a foreign language in the curriculum of schools in India from the next academic session.

In a joint communiqu� issued after bilateral discussions at Hyderabad House here, Premier Wen Jiabao said Beijing will offer support for training Chinese language teachers and would provide Chinese language training material.

Both sides also declared the establishment of the India-China Outstanding College Students Exchange Programme, and said they would work out the modalities of the programme through consultations.

To facilitate and strengthen intercollegiate and student exchanges, the two countries agreed to consider the finalization of an agreement on mutual recognition of degrees and diplomas. (ANI)