Jiechi meets PM, says China, India enjoy broad prospects for growth of bilateral ties

New Delhi, Mar 2 (ANI): Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, during his visit here on Thursday in a bid to improve diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Dr. Singh said that the India-China relationship is one of the most important bilateral ties in the world.

"There is enough space in the world for India and China to grow and work together. The relationship has tremendous potential. The Indian Government is firmly committed to its strategic and cooperative partnership with China and stands ready to make every effort to advance cooperation in all fields," said Dr. Singh.

"India will host the fourth BRICS Summit late March, which India believes will present an important opportunity for member states to enhance cooperation and jointly rise to challenges. The Indian side warmly welcomes Chinese leader to attend the meeting and wishes to use the opportunity to push for further growth of its bilateral ties with China," he added.

Yang Jiechi said that under the current international and regional situation, China and India enjoy broad prospects for growth of bilateral ties.

"2012 is an important year for the two countries to build on the past progress and usher in a better future. The two sides have agreed on programmes of exchange and cooperation, which will increase the friendship between the two peoples, advance exchanges and cooperation in various fields and send a positive signal about the growth of the relationship," said Jeichi.

"The two sides have agreed to maintain high-level exchanges and contacts, strengthen diplomatic consultation and dialogue as well as exchanges between parties, legislatures and the militaries to enhance strategic and political mutual trust; take advantage of such mechanisms as strategic economic dialogue to raise the level of economic cooperation and trade and explore new areas of cooperation; further expand people-to people exchanges and increase media exchanges and communication; further advance the progress of border talks and make good news of the newly established mechanism for consultation and coordination on border affairs so as to maintain peace and tranquility in the border area," he added.

Jeichi said the BRICS Summit to be held in New Delhi at the end of March is expected to send a positive signal of win-win cooperation and unity among its members who will work for world economic growth and their people's well-being.

He further said the Chinese side stands ready to fully support and cooperate with the Indian side to ensure success of the summit and make new contribution to BRICS cooperation.

"We will also like this opportunity to further enhance coordination and cooperation with the Indian side on international and regional affairs and promote regional and global peace and prosperity," Jeichi said.

The Chinese Foreign Minister also met Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari during his visit.

India and China on Thursday decided to have maritime cooperation dialogue during the talks between the two foreign ministers, who also discussed a host of other crucial issues, which included the boundary dispute.

External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna met his Chinese counterpart in the backdrop of Beijing's objection over Defence Minister A K Antony's recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

Antony visited Arunachal Pradesh last month to participate in the 25th statehood celebrations. (ANI)