Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Wednesday that his country is willing to further develop cooperation with India and push the bilateral strategic partnership to a new height.

 

The development of friendship and cooperation between China and India has brought pragmatic benefits to the two peoples and has promoted South-South cooperation as well as peace and development in the world, Wen said while meeting with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of the 13th summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASIAN).

 

We are happy to see that both sides have the willingness and resolve to settle the border issue between the two countries, Wen said, adding that so long as the two countries continue to make joint efforts and consult friendly with each other, we will finally find a resolution accepted by both sides.

 

Singh said the relations between India and China are more than bilateral ties, as they will influence peace, stability and prosperity of the whole world.

 

India and China are not adversaries but friends and partners. India attached great importance to developing the comprehensive cooperation ties with China, he said.

 

India is willing to further cooperation with China in the fields such as economy, trade and personnel exchanges, and strengthen bilateral contacts and cooperation in the international affairs.

 

Singh said it is the Indian government's political will to settle the border issue and his country will make joint efforts with China to push forward the negotiation over it under the political principles reached by the two countries.

 

During the meeting, the two leaders also talked about issues like the climate change and energy security.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 21, 2007)