H.E. Jiang Zhenghua, President of the CIFA
H.E. Feng Zuoku, Vice President of the CPAFFC and CIFA
Representatives of Indian and Chinese doctors

Ladies and Gentlemen!

I am honored and privileged to stand here today at the launching ceremony of the 3rd India-China Joint Medical Mission and the Photo Exhibition of the 74th Anniversary of the arrival of the Indian Medical Mission to China.

74 years back, in September 1938, the Indian National Congress, at a time of war and crisis, had dispatched a five member medical mission to China that included Dr. Dwarkanath Kotnis, who, needs no introduction for the people of China. Both the Indian film Dr. Kotnis ki Amar Kahani and the Chinese film Ke Di Hua Dai Fu have recorded the dedication and the contribution of the medical mission. That we continue undertaking joint medical missions in the 21st century remembering this service is a testimony of our shared ethos and commitment to mutual respect, peace, harmony and progress.

India-China Joint Medical Mission that provides free medical services to rural population is not only a tribute to Dr. Kotnis and his team but also a symbol of the spirit of co-operation that exists between India and China, two biggest nations in Asia. It is a symbol of hope, of co-operation and of the humanitarian spirit that binds our two peoples.

On this occasion, I, on behalf of the Ambassador of India, wish this mission a great success.