India, China To Hold Second Military Exercise In 2008
Dated 14/1/2008
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India and China on Monday announced to hold their second joint military exercises this year and welcomed the "progress" in negotiations on the boundary issue.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao during extensive talks agreed to substantially enhance economic engagement by stepping up bilateral trade target from USD 40 billion to USD 60 billion by 2010. Building on the goodwill generated by the landmark handshake between the world's two powerful armies last month in Kumming in China, the two leaders decided to have a second military exercise in India.
"We have agreed to continue to deepening mutual understanding and trust between our armed forces and welcome the successful first exercise in Kumming," Singh said. On the outstanding boundary question, the two sides had "successful" discussions, the Prime Minister said at a press conference after the talks at the ornate Great Hall of the People.
"We welcome the progress made by Special Representatives for seeking a framework for settlement of the boundary question that is fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable and based on guiding principles and political parameters signed in April 2005." While the SRs will continue the discussions, both sides reiterated their mutual commitment to maintaining peace and tranquility on the border.
The two sides expressed readiness to forge closer strategic and economic partnership by taking advantage of important opportunities for growth and development of the two Asian giants. India attaches "highest priority" to developing cooperative and mutual partnership with China, Singh said. The Prime Minister, who was given a ceremonial welcome by the tri-service of the People's Liberation Army, said frequent and regular meetings at the summit level contributed greatly to development of India-China relations.
They have served to demonstrate to the world the combined mutual understanding, cooperation and trust. Recalling Wen's visit to India in April 2005, when the two countries established the strategic and cooperative partnership, Singh said it has left a deep impression in India.
Welcoming the Indian leader, Wen said against the backdrop of profound changes in the Asian and international situation, our relationship faces important opportunities for development. "Your current visit has captured wide attention of not only the people of our countries, but also the international community," he said adding that the two sides would discuss ways and means to deepen their strategic cooperative partnership.
The Prime Minister's top aides were present at the 'restricted meeting' with Wen which was followed by delegation-level talks.
