India,China call for end to incursion issue,sign 8 deals to boost ties

Addressing a joint press meet,the two leaders acknowledged their talks – first last night and then this morning – had been ‘candid’ and ‘frank,’ a diplomatic aphorism for their forthright discussions.

Noting that they “took stock of lessons learnt from the recent incident in the Western Sector,when existing mechanisms proved their worth”,Singh announced,”We have

tasked our Special Representatives to consider further measures that may be needed to maintain peace and tranquillity along the border.

“We agreed that our Special Representatives will meet soon to continue discussions,seeking early agreement on a framework for a fair,reasonable and mutually acceptable boundary settlement.”

The talks come nearly a month after the 19-km-deep incursion by the Chinese troops in Depsang valley in Ladakh which was resolved only two weeks ago.

On his part,Li,while admitting that there were ‘some problems’ between the two countries,said,”Both sides believe that,with regard to the boundary question,one that is leftover by history,the two sides have over time established the principles on this question.

“In the meantime,we have worked together to maintain tranquility and peace on the border,” the Chinese Premier said,adding,”We need to confront various issues with a board mind and conduct dialogue on those issues in a mature and sensible way.

“We need to appropriately handle our cooperation by maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas and on the trans-border river issues.”

Strategic mutual trust

Earlier,Li said peace and regional stability cannot be a reality without strategic mutual trust between China and India.

“And likewise the development of prosperity of the world cannot be a reality without the cooperation and simultaneous development of China and India,” he said after inspecting a guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Li,who was accompanied by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,said he and Singh had ‘a most productive session’ of talks yesterday and he expected ‘more bountiful results’ from further discussions. Related: Tibetan groups threaten protest,security stepped up

“The purpose of my current visit to India is three-fold – to increase mutual trust,to intensify cooperation and to face the future,” he said,adding that he hoped that the two sides would increase strategic mutual trust.

In today’s world both sides see each other’s development as a major opportunity,the Chinese Premier,who had a ‘candid’ meeting with Singh here last night,said.

Li,who arrived here yesterday on a three-day visit to India,his first foreign tour after assuming charge,said,”On the basis of strategic mutual trust,the two countries have struck a new kind of relationship which could be described as healthy and sound.

“That would be a true message for Asia and the world,” he said.

Maintaining that the large markets of the two countries have created enormous potential for growth and prosperity in Asia and the whole world,he said,”China and India have decided to intensify practical cooperation.”

He said the two sides will launch China-India regional trading engagement negotiations besides an economic corridor.

“We will support the development of industrial zone in each other’s country so as to support economic growth between them,” he said.

Li said another purpose of his visit was to look ahead to the future as Asia is expected to play a more important role in the 21st century.

“Most importantly the consensus that we have reached during this trip is that the seeds that we sow today will keep growing into harbouring trees laden with rich fruits,” the Chinese leader said.

He also said that China was looking forward to the Indian Prime Minister’s visit later this year.