“The inauguration of Chinese consulate in Kolkata is a good sign and it shows the sincerity of China in improving its relations with India. Your foreign minister is a good friend of mine and tomorrow I am going to meet him. You will get the answers of your questions tomorrow,” Jiechi said when asked why China played a hostile role at the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) meeting at Vienna.

Minister for External Affairs Pranab Mukherjee, who attended a book launch programme at the Kolkata Press Club, refused to comment on China’s role at Vienna saying that it was China’s internal matter.

“China and India have a long history of mutual cooperation. The two countries together formulated the doctrine of Panchsheel. We are ready to work with India. The improved relation between the two developing countries has its roots in the common aspirations of their people. I am confident that China and India will enjoy a long-term friendship,” Jiechi said.

“When poet Rabindranath Tagore visited China, he wrote that he felt at home in our country. I also feel at home in Kolkata. I was a small boy when I first heard about this city. This city is the cradle of culture and civilisation and my next visit to the city will be soon,” the Chinese foreign minister added.