Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao is shaking hands with Sonia
Gandhi, president of All Indian National Congress (AINC). (Xinhua)
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Sunday evening put forward his three-point
expectation to his India visit one day before talks with his counterpart
Manmohan Singh.
First, to confirm the bilateral relationship from the long-term perspective
and strategic height; second, to issue a guiding principle to solve the border
issue so that the two sides could lay a foundation for an equal and reasonable
settlement that respecting history while considering the current situation;
third,to outline the economic and trade cooperation in the next five years.
Wen made the remarks when he met with Sonia Gandhi, president of All
Indian National Congress (AINC). The meeting was being originally arranged in
the Tuesday morning.
Wen pointed out having a correct knowledge about Sino-Indian relations and
handling it properly are important not only for the two countries, but also for
peace and development of Asia and the world at large.
Only if China and India develop could have a real Asia century, he said.
"China hopes to see a peaceful and prosperous India, and a peaceful and
stable China is also in the interest of India," Wen said, noting China would
like to make joint progress with India.
Gandhi said the expectation Wen has expressed is sincere, demonstrating the
determination of the two peoples for further cooperation. She believed the two
sides could work together to achieve the goals.
Wen also praised for the visit to China in 1988 by Rajiv Gandhi, former
Indian prime minister and husband of Sonia Gandhi, saying the visit enabled the
bilateral ties to march a major step.
He appreciated that the AINC has long attached importance to relationship
with China, and voiced the belief that Gandhi will continue to push forward
Sino-Indian relations.
Wen arrived here from Bangalore late Sunday afternoon to continue his tour to
India, the final leg of his four-nation South Asia tour which has taken him to
Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.