The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has emphasised the need for further strengthening of relations between India and China. Recalling the ancient civilisational links between the two countries, Dr. Singh pointed out that the people of both the countries should know more about each other. The Prime Minister said that being developing countries, both the nations faced similar problems. He was speaking after taking out the draw of lots for the Davis Cup tie between India and China, at a function, here today. The Prime Minister extended his best wishes to both the teams for the competition.

Dr. Singh, in particular, lauded the All India Tennis Association for its decision to adopt 12 children orphaned in the Tsunami tragedy.

Shri Yashwant Sinha, president of All India Tennis Association, Chief of Army Staff, General J.J. Singh, Shri R.K. Khanna, Shri Vijay Amritraj well-known tennis player, and members of the tennis teams from India and China were present on the occasion.