Sino-India ties have acquired strategic significance: President

Beijing

“If we come together we can generate tremendous momentum for peace, prosperity and development which will not only benefit our two people but also the entire humanity,” he said in his opening remarks during talks with Xi at the Great Hall of the People.

“My visit is an affirmation of the friendship between our two nations and our people. I have no doubt that it will enhance public support and understanding  of the relations,” he said.

The talks began after Mukherjee was given a ceremonial welcome with a 21gun salute.

Welcoming Mukherjee, Xi said, “You are a seasoned statesman and old friend of the Chinese people who has long been committed to promote friendship between China and India.” “When I visited India in 2014, I was warmly received by your excellency and the Indian government. During  that visit we had sincere and candid discussions on China-India relations and issues of mutual interest and we reached lot of common understandings,” Xi, who is also the General Secretary of the ruling Communist Party of China, said.

“I am sure your current visit will hopefully strengthen the momentum of high-level exchanges between China and India and hope to take forward our overall relations and friendly cooperation in various fields,” he said. Mukherjee told Xi that, “I bring with me the greetings of the government and 1.25 billion people of India. My visit is an affirmation of the friendship between our two nations and our people. I have no doubt that it will enhance public support and understanding of the relations.”