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India, China agree to strengthen relations

By Prakash Chawla | PTI

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (left) meets with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Hua Hin, Thailand, on 24 October 2009. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and agreed to build “trust and understanding” in their bilateral ties.Xinhua/Thailand

Skirting the recent Sino-India diplomatic spat over Arunachal Pradesh, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his counterpart Wen Jiabao on Friday made it clear that differences should not impede growth of a robust strategic partnership between the two countries.

Meeting on a positive note in this Thai beach resort on the margins of the ASEAN summit, the two leaders underlined the importance of building trust, harmony and better understanding.

They made no 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 said both sides should have better understanding at the political level so that the bilateral relations are robust and are strengthened.

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.

The meeting came as the two countries struck conciliatory notes after provocative statements from China on Arunachal Pradesh evoked a strong response from India.

China regards Arunachal Pradesh a disputed territory and objected to Singh’s visit there for assembly polls, triggering sharp reaction from India which asserted that the state is an integral part of the country.

Copyright © 2009 PTI

Published in Hindustan Times