India-China to take their strategic partnership to a new level

India and China on Wednesday reiterated their readiness to take their strategic and cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity to a new level.

By Naveen Kapoor

Singapore, Nov 21 : India and China on Wednesday reiterated their readiness to take their strategic and cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity to a new level.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh met his counterpart Wen Jiabao here today where both reiterated their readiness to see a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the Boundary Question and expressed satisfaction at the progress that is being made by the Special Representatives in this regard.

Dr. Singh said that India attaches great importance to our partnership with China, and is resolved to ensuring the comprehensive development of bilateral relations for mutual benefit and on the basis of mutual sensitivity to each others' concerns.

Replying the Prime Minister`s sentiments, Wen said that friendship with India is the strategic and long term objective of China.

The two leaders also discussed opportunities that exist for furthering cooperation in regional and multilateral forums on global issues such as climate change and energy security.

Wen was forthcoming and supportive of international civil nuclear energy cooperation with India.

Wen said that the Chinese Government and people were eagerly awaiting the visit of Prime Minister to China.

Replying to this, Dr. Singh said, "He is looking forward to his visit early next year, and expressed his confidence that his visit will further strengthen the friendly relations between the peoples of the two countries."

This is their second meeting this year. They had earlier met at the Second East Asia Summit in Cebu in January.

ANI