Chinese premier meets with Indian defense minister

（Xinhua）  09:09, July 06, 2013  

BEIJING, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with visiting Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony here on Friday.

Li said China and India are both neighbors and partners, and the friendly neighborhood as well as their joint push for common prosperity benefits not only the two nations, but also Asia and the world at large.

China will enhance strategic trust and boost practical cooperation with India to further promote bilateral ties, said the premier.

Li said the cooperation between China and India, both countries with populations exceeding 1 billion, will generate great opportunities and serve as a driving force for the development of the two countries, South Asia and the whole world.

Both China and India have the political willingness to appropriately address border issues through dialogues and consultations to jointly maintain peace, tranquility and stability in border areas, Li said, "which will help ensure the achievement of common development of the two countries."

Li said he hopes the two militaries will increase exchanges and boost cooperation to play an active role in cementing the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Recalling Li's visit to India in May, Antony said the premier's tour was a historic milestone for bilateral ties.

The leaders of the two countries reached important consensus on advancing bilateral ties, expanding cooperation and maintaining peace in border areas, Antony said.

The Indian side will make joint efforts with China to further advance bilateral ties in a comprehensive way, he added.

Earlier on Friday, Antony also held talks with his Chinese counterpart, Chang Wanquan.