State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan met with special envoy of the Indian government Shivshankav Menon in Beijing on Tuesday, saying China hopes to further promote the bilateral relations.

Tang said China and India have solid basis and broad prospect to develop their friendship and cooperation.

He hopes the two countries can further implement consensus reached by leaders of the two nations, keep exchange of high-level visits and strengthen strategic mutual trust.

China and India should promote exchanges and cooperation in various fields, increase coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs, so as to promote the bilateral strategic partnership toward peace and prosperity, Tang said.

Menon, also foreign secretary, said China and India share much consensus and common interest in many fields. He said India is willing to work with China and further push forward the bilateral relations.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.

(Xinhua News Agency September 19, 2007)