On September 7, 2008, the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Kolkata held the inauguration ceremony. Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi and representatives of local people including overseas Chinese attended the event.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi shakes hands with West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi

Speaking at the ceremony, Yang said that China and India are friendly neighbors. The relations between the two countries are featured by sound development. The inauguration of the Chinese Consulate General in Kolkata will promote China’s friendly exchanges and cooperation with Kolkata, West Bengal and the eastern region of India and inject vigor to China-India bilateral relations.

In his speech, Gandhi noted that Kolkata is the hometown of the renowned Indian litterateur Tagore who did outstanding contributions to enhancing the friendship between the people of India and China. The people of Kolkata feel close with the Chinese people and hope to further increase the friendship and cooperation with China.

Yang and Gandhi then jointly inaugurated the building.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi inaugurated the building	Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi Meets with the representatives of overseas Chinese in Kolkata

Prior to attending the ceremony, Yang held talks with Gandhi. Both sides agreed to make joint efforts to strengthen the relations between China and West Bengal, expand the bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy, trade and culture and contribute more to the development of China-India relations.

Kolkata is the capital city of West Bengal, the third largest city of India and the economic, cultural and transport center of eastern region of India.