Nalanda (Bihar), Feb 12 (IANS) Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said Monday that his country was eager and ready for closer relations with India.

"Let us write a new chapter on India-China relations," Li Zhaoxing said in his short address at the inauguration of a hall built in memory of 7th century Chinese traveller Xuan Zang (Huan-Tsang) in this Bihar district, 90 km from Patna.

Li stressed on a strong India-China relationship not only in the sphere of culture but in trade and business too. "We need to have a close relation," Li said, adding that the opening of the memorial hall was a significant chapter in the cultural ties of the two countries.

Li, who arrived in Patna Sunday night, is leading a 96-member delegation including 80 monks.

He said Xuan Zang was remembered across the world as a preacher of Buddhism, as a traveller, a student and a teacher.

The Chinese minister said he was honoured to be in Nalanda and would visit the ancient seat of learning again, but not by car. "I will come here on foot the way Xuan Zang came." He invited Indians to visit China to strengthen bilateral ties.

The other Chinese officials who attended the ceremony were Ven Xue Cheng, vice president and secretary general of the Buddhist Association of China, and Ye Xiaowen, administrator of the state administration for religious affairs.

Bihar Governor R.S. Gavai, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, union Tourism Minister Ambika Soni and Indian Council for Cultural Relations chairman Karan Singh were also present.