9 Aug : China on Saturday expressed readiness to work towards increasing mutual understanding and confidence with India as the two sides concluded two-day boundary talks on a satisfactory note and agreed to maintain “peace and tranquility” in the border areas pending the settlement.
In a special message to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said it was in the interest of both the countries to maintain “peaceful co-existence and seek common development which is also exerting deep and far impact on Asia and the whole world”.
The message conveyed through Chinese State Councillor Dai Bingguo, who met Singh, said “China is willing to work with India to increase mutual understanding and confidence, enhance cooperation in all fields, and seek new progress in building the Sino-India Strategic Cooperative Partnership.”
Singh responded by saying that India completely agrees with Wen’s sentiments and seeks to strengthen Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
Describing China as a cooperative partner, Singh said India was willing to work towards expanding and deepening bilateral ties and work with it to promote peace, stability and prosperity in Asia and the world.
The message came as Special Representatives of the two countries concluded deliberations, expressing “satisfaction at the progress” being made in the boundary talks and agreeing to maintain “peace and tranquility” in border areas pending settlement.