Chinese, Indian experts meet to discuss development, cooperation

The second China-India Forum opened here Saturday. Participants will discuss issues regarding political, economic and cultural development and cooperation as well as environmental protection during the two-day forum.

At the opening ceremony, Jiang Zhenghua, head of the China-India Friendship Association, said China-India relations had entered a new stage of close cooperation and all-round development since the beginning of the 21st century.

Through multilateral mechanisms like the G20 and meetings of the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China), the two countries were playing an indispensable role in addressing global issues including climate change and international system reform, Jiang said, adding that the enhancement of their reciprocal cooperation would definitely help peace and stability not only in Asia, but also in the world.

The forum can provide a platform for Chinese and Indian officials, scholars and media to strengthen mutual understanding, friendship and consensus and bring tangible benefits to the people of the two countries, Jiang said.

Indian Ambassador to China Dr. S. Jaishankar said India-China relations were, relatively speaking, going through a "blue skies" period, citing the celebration of the 60th anniversary of India-China diplomatic ties, bilateral defence dialogue, foreign office consultations, consular talks and parliamentary visits.

India and China have demonstrated a growing ability to work together in international institutions and forums including the 15th UN Climate Change Conference (COP-15), the BRIC summit and the G20 gatherings, among others, said Jaishankar.

Jaishankar believed it was important for the two countries to focus on initiatives to further strengthen bilateral ties with a broader engagement between the two societies and the work on the bilateral, regional and global concerns of the relationship.

Over 100 guests including Chinese and Indian diplomats, scholars, entrepreneurs and the experts on Indian issues from other countries are attending the forum.

Source: Xinhua