LOC23:48
20:48 GMT
NEW DELHI, Aug 18 (KUNA) -- India and China on Monday discussed ways of resolving existing differences and deepening cooperation.
A statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi this evening and highlighted that the bilateral relations are best guided by the mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest.
"As we seek to move ahead from a difficult period in our ties, it needs a candid and constructive approach from both sides," Jaishankar said.
He added that productive conversations took place on economic and trade issues, pilgrimages, people-to-people contacts, river data sharing, border trade, connectivity and bilateral exchanges.
Both the sides also exchanged views on global and regional issues saying it is an appropriate time to do so.
"We seek a fair, balanced and multi-polar world order, including a multi-polar Asia. Reformed multilateralism is also the call of the day. In the current environment, there is clearly the imperative of maintaining and enhancing stability in the global economy as well," the Indian Minister said.
He added that having seen a difficult period in bilateral relationship, both the nations now seek to move ahead. This requires a candid and constructive approach from both sides.
"It is our expectation that our discussions would contribute to building a stable, cooperative and forward-looking relationship between India and China, one that serves both our interests and addresses our concerns," Jaishankar said.
Discussions on border issues will get more attention when Special Representative and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval will meet the Chinese team tomorrow.
Jaishankar underlined the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas and continue the de-escalation process. (end)
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