Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Sunday, June 22, 2003
India PM: India, China Can Build Partnership
Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee says India does not see China as its foe. Instead he believes there is huge potential for the two countries to enhance their cooperation.
Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee says India does not see China as its foe. Instead he believes there is huge potential for the two countries to enhance their cooperation.
In an exclusive interview with CCTV ahead of his visit from June 22 to 27, Vajpayee says China and India can build a strong partnership.
Vajpayee's five��day visit to China is scheduled for June 22 to 27. It will be the first by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly a decade.
Vajpayee says as two of the world's largest and most populous developing countries, India and China should remain in close touch on global issues of concern to developing nations. He believes that his talks with Chinese leaders will contribute to a more diversified cooperation between the two countries.
Referring to the drawbacks in past bilateral ties, Vajpayee says the two countries should not be trapped by history, but learn from it and avoid making the same mistakes again. He stresses that India does not see China as foe and his country respects China's longstanding civilization and its economic achievements. He says that India looks forward to resolving their differences on border issues as soon as possible.
On current Sino��India relations, Vajpayee acknowledged the growing bilateral exchanges in economics, culture, education and technology. He also admitted there is still great potential for the two countries to develop their partnership and to enhance their cooperation on international issues, such as preventing terrorism, security, the environment and sustainable development. He says that a strong partnership between China and India will contribute to world peace and stability.
Vajpayee also recalled his recent meetings with Chinese President Hu Jintao in Russia and France. He says the talks between the two sides were candid and friendly, and he appreciated the Chinese government's commitment to developing closer ties with India.