Hu meets Indian PM on bilateral ties, global issues

Source: Xinhua  |   2008-7-8  |     ONLINE EDITION

CHINESE President Hu Jintao met today with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, discussing bilateral relations and global issues such as climate change, energy and food security.

During the talks, President Hu said that China-India relations are in the best period and are facing a valuable opportunity for development.

China is willing to work with the Indian side to promote cooperation and exchanges in various fields, continuously substantialize the China-India strategic partnership, and advance the stable, sound and long-term development of bilateral relations, said Hu.

The world today is undergoing major changes and adjustments, featuring the rise of key developing countries such as China and India, which is an irreversible trend, he said.

As major developing countries, China and India bear the common tasks of developing economy, improving people's livelihood, safeguarding world peace, and promoting common development, Hu added.

The two nations are also faced with common challenges such as climate change, energy and food security, and the Doha round of the World Trade Organization talks.

Hu said that China is ready to strengthen contact and coordination with India to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries in a bid to achieve common development.

The two neighbors should strengthen cooperation on major international and regional issues, so as to create together a regional environment of peace and stability, equality and mutual trust, and win-win cooperation. The cooperation would also help build a world of lasting peace and common prosperity, said the Chinese president.

Singh, for his part, said that India and China are strategic partners and that promoting friendly and cooperative relations with China is the consensus of the Indian government and people.