Chinese President Hu Jintao made a five-point proposal in New Delhi on Wednesday concerning the further development of Sino-Indian relations.

 

 

Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao delivers a speech in New Delhi, capital of India, November 22, 2006.

 

First, President Hu suggested that both nations increase mutual political trust and consolidate the bases of China-India relations.

 

"We should continue regular leadership meetings and expand high-level exchanges between the governments, legislatures and political parties to enhance mutual understanding," he said.

 

Second, the two sides should enhance business cooperation and enrich bilateral relations, Hu said. The two countries should encourage and support cooperation between their business communities in information technology, energy, resources, infrastructure, science, technology and agriculture, allowing greater momentum in economic growth, the president suggested.

 

Third, the two countries should increase cultural and social exchanges and build public support for China-India friendship, Hu said. He suggested the two sides strengthen cooperation in education and tourism, expand air links, increase media and youth exchanges and forge closer ties between sister cities.

 

Fourth, Hu noted it as advisable that China and India ramp up friendly consultation and work for an early settlement of the boundary issue. He expressed China's willingness to work with India, guided by the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the overall interests of the two countries, to actively seek a fair, just and mutually acceptable solution toward resolving the issue through friendly consultation.

 

Fifth, the president hoped both countries could develop multilateral cooperation and jointly uphold the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.

 

To China, India is a major partner in Asia and the world, Hu said. "We should increase communication and coordination on major international issues to jointly uphold the overall interests of developing countries," he said.

 

Hu made the proposal in a keynote address dubbed "Working Together to Expand Cooperation and Create a Bright Future" at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi.

 

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 23, 2006)