Singh-Jiabao Meeting: Differences Shouldn’t Impede Growth of Sino-India Ties
In the backdrop of war of word between the two countries on Arunachal Pradesh, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao met in Ch-Am Hua Hin on sidelines of ASEAN summit, with both leaders making it clear that differences should not impede growth of a robust strategic partnership between the two countries.
On the sidelines of ASEAN summit, Singh, who arrived in Thailand yesterday, and Wen held significant bilateral talks on bilater, regional and international issues of mutual concern.
During the meeting, none of the two leaders made any mention of the controversies over Arunachal Pradesh and Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama during the meeting at Dusit Thani hotel which lasted almost an hour.
Singh called both sides for better understanding at political level so that bilateral relations are strong and reinforced. “Neither side should let our differences act as impediments to the growth of relations between the two countries,” Singh told Wen during the meeting, according to reports.
Wen concurred with Singh that the issues which may arise in the bilateral relationship should be “properly handled” through discussions and they should not become impediments in the development of the friendly ties, N Ravi, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, told reporters.
Wen referred to the 10-prong strategy shared between Singh and Chinese President Hu Jintao as also to a bilateral ‘Vision Document’ issued last year aimed at improving ties, particularly in the field of trade and commerce, and maintaining peace and tranquility along the borders.
“It is important to implement these agreements,” Singh said in response to Wen’s remarks.
At the same time, Prime Minister Singh congratulated Wen on 60th anniversary of founding of People Republic of China.
The Chinese Prime Minister said that both sides should seize opportunity of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations to “heighten” the bilateral relations.
