Speaking highly of the progress made in defense cooperation over
the past few years, Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee told
visiting Chinese Defense Minister
Cao
Gangchuan on Monday that the two countries should continue to
safeguard the peace and stability along their borders, in the
region and in the rest of the world.
Referring to
India and China as good neighbors and good friends, Vajpayee
said that developing a long-term and constructive partnership
conforms to the interests of the two peoples.
Cao, who is also vice chairman of the Central Military
Commission and a state councilor, said that bilateral relations
have made gratifying progress over the past few years thanks to the
concerted efforts made by the leaders of the two countries. He
added that exchanges and cooperation in the realms of politics,
economy, culture, science, technology and defense have been
strengthened.
He noted that China hopes to increase cooperation between the
two countries' military forces, which will bolster their mutual
understanding and friendship.?
"I hope that China and India will become eternal good neighbors,
good partners and good friends, and that the two peoples will live
in peace with each other from generation to generation," Cao
added.
At the invitation of Indian Defense Minister George Fernandes,
Cao arrived in New Delhi on Friday for a five-day official
visit.
(Xinhua News Agency March 30, 2004)
