Manila: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday called for closer cooperation between China and India, saying both countries should build on the recent positive momentum in bilateral ties and strengthen coordination on regional and global issues.
The remarks came during Wang’s meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on the sidelines of engagements in Manila, where the two leaders held wide ranging discussions on bilateral relations and international developments.
Wang said China was prepared to work with India to implement the important understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries. He stressed the need to maintain high level exchanges, expand cooperation in trade, media, cultural and people to people exchanges, and manage sensitive issues through dialogue.
He also said that, as two major developing countries, India and China should work together to promote a more multipolar world order and greater democracy in international relations while contributing to global peace and development.
Highlighting the importance of multilateral cooperation, Wang urged both countries to strengthen coordination within the BRICS grouping and safeguard the shared interests of developing nations. He also reaffirmed China’s support for India’s presidency of BRICS and expressed confidence that New Delhi would successfully host the summit later this year.
During the meeting, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated that India’s positions on Taiwan and Xizang remain unchanged and that New Delhi respects China’s sovereignty. He also said India has consistently pursued a positive, stable and forward looking relationship with China.
The discussions reflected ongoing efforts by both countries to improve bilateral engagement following recent diplomatic outreach, while maintaining dialogue on areas of mutual interest and addressing sensitive issues through established channels.
The meeting also underscored the importance both sides attach to enhancing cooperation in economic, regional and global forums, particularly through BRICS, as they seek to strengthen collaboration on issues affecting the developing world.
