New Delhi [India], August 19 (ANI): Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday expressed optimism about India-China ties, stressing that a stable and healthy relationship serves the fundamental and long-term interests of both nations.
Wang, who met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval during the 24th round of Special Representative-level talks in New Delhi, said that China attaches great importance to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin.
“The Chinese side attaches great importance to the Prime Minister’s visit to China to attend the SCO Summit at our invitation. We believe the Indian side will also make its contribution to a successful summit in Tianjin,” Wang said.
He emphasized the need to build consensus and set specific goals for ongoing boundary consultations. “I am ready to work with you to build more consensus, identify the direction and goals of the boundary consultations, and create conditions for the improvement and growth of our bilateral relations,” he added.
Wang highlighted that both sides should follow the strategic guidance of their leaders, enhance mutual trust through communication, and expand common interests through exchanges and cooperation.
Reflecting on progress since Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping met in Kazan last year, Wang said their discussions “pointed the direction for the development of bilateral relations and provided impetus for the proper settlement of the boundary question.” He also praised the outcome of the 23rd round of talks, noting that the two sides had “reached new and important consensus on managing disagreements, stabilizing the borders, and moving toward a settlement.”
Expressing satisfaction with the restoration of stability on the borders, Wang commended NSA Doval’s role. “Mr. Doval, I appreciate the effort you made as Special Representative of the Indian side. Now, the bilateral relationship is facing an important opportunity for improvement and growth,” he said.
Doval, in his opening remarks, said that Prime Minister Modi would be visiting China shortly for the SCO Summit. He noted the upward momentum in ties, highlighting the peace and tranquility along the borders and the leadership role played by both nations in boosting bilateral engagement since their meeting in Kazan last year.
According to sources, China has also promised to address India’s key concerns related to rare earths, fertilizers, and tunnel-boring machines.
Wang Yi arrived in India on Monday for a two-day visit and held talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar before meeting NSA Doval. (ANI)
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