NEW DELHI: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today told Chinese President Xi Jinping that “peace and tranquility” at the border is imperative and that all issues as agreed earlier should be resolved.
Singh said it was encouraging to see expansion of relationship which is going to prove important for manufacturing and infrastructure work that is already being done.
The former Prime Minister made these remarks when a Congress delegation led by Sonia Gandhi met with Xi.
“Both countries are putting due emphasis on important areas of development. He (Singh) further remarked that peace and tranquility on border is imperative and we have to remain fully committed to it as these were guiding principles,” a statement released by Congress said.
Singh said both countries have to remain “steadfast” to resolve all issues “as was agreed between the two countries earlier”.
“The relationship has to be inclusive, cooperative and development oriented,” he said.
Sonia said India had broad consensus across political spectrum to strengthen its relationship with China.
“In today’s multi-polar world, China and India had to play an important role,” she said.
Sonia stressed that even though Congress is in opposition, it remains committed to strengthening of bilateral ties as it did when it was in government.
The Chinese President spoke about industrial parks, advancement in Railways and investment in infrastructure sector.
“Xi said that efforts in this direction were in continuity with what had already been negotiated when Singh was the Prime Minister and they were now gathering momentum,” the statement said.
The Congress delegation included its Vice President Rahul Gandhi and senior leaders Karan Singh and Anand Sharma.
Sonia also mentioned that the country was commemorating the 125th birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Lal Nehru this year.
“The Chinese President, in this context, remarked that China values Nehru’s contribution immensely and fondly remembers the relationship between Nehru and first Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai,” the statement added. Calling Sonia Gandhi and Singh old friends of the Chinese people, Xi expressed appreciation for their contribution to China-India relations, saying the strategic and cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity between the two countries was built under their care and support, which has brought tangible benefits to the two peoples and has made positive contribution to regional and global peace and development.
The President stressed that as both the countries are dedicated to realizing national rejuvenation and need stable and a friendly surrounding environment, they should join hands with the firm belief to create their future together.
Noting that the Communist Party of China has maintained a long-term friendly relationship with the Indian National Congress Party, Xi suggested the two parties continue strengthening communication and exchange of experience in party governance, administration and organization development.
Sonia Gandhi congratulated Xi on his “successful” visit to India, saying developing India-China relations is a consensus among Indian political parties, as they are well aware of the importance of India-China relations.
She also pledged the Congress Party’s cooperation with the Chinese side in enhancing party-to-party exchange and promoting the development of bilateral ties.–PTI
