'Differences must not become disputes': Jaishankar to Chinese counterpart Wang Yi
PTC News Desk: External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar on Monday held a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in New Delhi, asserting that peace along the border is essential for progress in India-China relations.
Noting that the two countries have experienced a difficult phase, Jaishankar called for a clear and cooperative approach to move forward.
"Discussing border issues is very important because the basis for any positive momentum in our ties is the ability to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas. It is also essential that the de-escalation process moves forward," Jaishankar said in his opening remarks during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
"This requires a candid and constructive approach from both sides. In that endeavour, we must be guided by the three mutuals - mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest. Differences must not become disputes nor competition, conflict..," Jaishankar added.
In response, the Chinese Foreign Minister said that both the countries had maintained peace and tranquillity in the border areas, adding that both nations share confidence to expand cooperation and to further consolidate the momentum of improvement development of China-India relations.
"We maintained peace and tranquillity in the border areas and resumed the Indian pilgrimage to Mount Gang Renpoche and Lake Mapam Yun Tso in the Xijang Autonomous Region. We shared confidence to dispel interference, expand cooperation and to further consolidate the momentum of improvement development of China-India relations, so that while pursuing our respective rejuvenation, we can contribute to each other's success and provide the most needed certainty to Asia and the world,” Wang Yi said.
The Chinese Foreign Minister is on a two-day visit to India and is expected to meet PM Modi and hold the 24th round of border talks with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. The meeting will take place ahead of the SCO summit scheduled in Tianjin.
During the meeting, the External Affairs Minister also emphasised the need for both the countries to prioritise fight against terrorism in all its forms and hoped that the discussion would yield a positive outcome and help build a stable and cooperative relationship that serves both sides’ interests.
"The fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is another major priority. I look forward to our exchange of views. Overall, 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 during the meeting.
- PTC NEWS
