Hu noted that Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and the Indian prime minister held fruitful talks and reached broad consensus Monday, and signed a series of cooperative documents, including a declaration on principles for relations and comprehensive cooperation between China and India.

In order to achieve the goals set forth in the declaration, China and India should increase exchanges, strengthen mutual trust and establish a concrete foundation for the long-term development of bilateral relations, Hu said.

The two countries should seize the opportunity to boost cooperation in various fields in order to achieve mutual development and prosperity, he said.

China and India should handle historical issues appropriately and make new contributions to the peace and development of mankind, Hu said.

Hu said the core principle of China's foreign policy is safeguarding world peace and promoting common development. China is not and will not do anything to threaten other countries.

Vajpayee said his visit to China is an indication of India's willingness to establish cooperative relations featuring mutual understanding and trust.

The signing of the declaration has deepened the traditional friendship between Indian and Chinese peoples and has strengthened the two countries' resolve to forge ahead in long-term cooperation, he said.

Hu and Vajpayee also exchanged views on the two countries' cooperation in the areas of economy and trade, education, culture, science and technology.

(Xinhua News Agency June 25, 2003)