Sixth China-India strategic dialogue held in Beijing

The sixth China-India strategic dialogue has been held in Beijing. Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin met with India's Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh, with both sides saying they will work to nurture more cooperation and mutual investment.

Two of the world's most populous nations meet to discuss their strategic interests. This year's strategic dialogue is taking on more importance, as 2014 marks the year of Friendly Exchanges between this two giant neighbours.

China and India face similar challenges, including moving up the economic ladder, improving people's livelihood while protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development.

"This strategic dialogue is an annual one, we will have comprehensive discussions on bilateral relations and cooperation as well as regional issues. China-India relations have gone far beyond the bilateral level and are taking on a global and strategic significance," said Liu Zhenmin, China's vice foreign minister.

The top priority for both countries is improving their economies. Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in infrastructure construction, information technology, telecommunication, investment and industrial parks.

"China-Indian relations are strong, we have a peaceful and cooperative strategic partnership, and we expect our relationship to grow even stronger in the years to come," said Sujatha Singh, Indian Foreign Secretary.

Both sides said that China and India need a good international and regional environment to develop, and that they need to accommodate each other's concerns.

They must also properly deal with issues concerning their border and trans-border rivers, as well as focus on defence cooperation including combating terrorism.

China and India can learn from each other as both countries are under the same pressure of balancing reform and structural adjustment. China is ready to work with India to consolidate the political mutual trust and expand cooperation, urbanization, information and telecommunication, and high technology.