China, India step up economic engagement despite border disputes(3)

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) holds talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, India, Sept 18, 2014. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

SHARED DEVELOPMENT

During the talks, the Chinese president called on leaders of the two countries to play a strategic and leading role, maintain high-level mutual visits and contacts, and strengthen exchanges on various levels.

"We should always respect and take into consideration each other's concerns and persistently deepen political mutual trust. We should firmly grasp the correct strategic direction of bilateral relations and make cooperation the main theme in our ties all along," Xi said.

Noting that China and India share the same goals, similar development concepts and compatible development strategies, Xi urged the two countries to push for all-around and pragmatic cooperation in such areas as information, railway infrastructure, industrial parks, clean energy, science and technology, aerospace and finance.

China is willing to expand exchanges and cooperation with India in culture, education, tourism, religion, film and television, media and human resources, he said.

Over the next five years, the two sides will each send 200 youths every year for mutual visits, said Xi, adding that China will help train Chinese language teachers for India.

In addition, Xi urged the two nations to speed up the construction of the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor, carry out cooperation within the framework of the Silk Road Economic Belt, the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and advance economic integration and inter-connectivity in the region.

The two neighbors, he added, should also strengthen strategic communication and coordination in international affairs, commit themselves to promoting democratization of international relations, and safeguard common interests of developing countries.

"China is willing to maintain communication with India in multi-lateral mechanisms such as the UN, G20 and BRICS, and enhance cooperation on the global agenda such as global governance, sustainable development, climate change, anti-terrorism, energy and food security," he said.

Modi, for his part, said India and China were both ancient civilizations and Xi's visit has opened up a new phase in the history of the relations between the two countries.

The combined population of India and China accounts for a third of the world's total, he said, adding that their cooperation and common development not only benefit the two nations and peoples, but also make great contributions to the peace and prosperity of Asia and the world.

The prime minister said he and Xi are both committed to the national development and rejuvenation, and both highly value the relations between the two countries.

Modi said he is willing to make concerted efforts with Xi to push forward bilateral ties and he is very delighted to accept Xi's invitation to visit China next year.

India will study and participate in the China-proposed initiatives of Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, said Modi.

He suggested the two countries increase coordination and cooperation in international affairs and jointly cope with the challenges of terrorism, energy security and climate change.

After the talks, the two leaders jointly met the press and witnessed the signing of a slew of deals between the two countries on economy and trade, finance, transportation, customs and culture.

Also on Thursday, Xi's wife, Peng Liyuan, visited the Tagore International School in New Delhi.

India is the last stop of Xi's four-nation tour in Central and South Asia, which has already taken him to Tajikistan, the Maldives and Sri Lanka. In Tajikistan, he also attended an SCO summit.