Kolkata, Aug. 10: Chinese consul general in Kolkata Zhang Lizhang on Wednesday refused to comment on the exit of CPI(M) from power in West Bengal after 34 years. Mr Lizhang said, “Chinese foreign policy towards India is based on common interest and five principles formulated by both China and India.” He said that it did not depend on any individual party although there was a party-to-party relationship. Mr Lizhang was talking to reporters after calling on chief minister Mamata Banerjee at Writers’ Buildings.
He also informed that China was all set to send teachers to teach Mandarin to Indians in view of the enthusiasm for learning the language in the country. “There is an enthusiasm in India to learn Mandarin language. For this, we are all ready to send some teachers. Your chief minister is interested in it,” Mr Lizhang added.
Mr Lizhang further said that he and Ms Banerjee discussed collaborative projects and business opportunities, besides cultural exchange programmes, Kolkata’s tourism potential and the importance of Darjeeling tea to promote tourism. The consul-general said that he discussed promotion of tourism with Kolkata, which has a rich cultural heritage centering Rabindranath Tagore.
“The Chinese are very much aware of Rabindranath Tagore and his works are taught in schools and colleges,” he said.
***
State reshuffles district DMs
Kolkata, Aug. 10: The state government on Wednesday made a reshuffle of the district level officers. It appointed new district magistrates (DM) in 10 districts: Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar, Darjeeling, Birbhum, North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, Malda, North 24 Parganas, Nadia and East Midnapore.