China welcomes Modi-Imran exchange of greetings

China Friday welcomed the exchange of greetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan, expressing hope that two neighbours will continue to show goodwill, meet each other "half way" and resolve their differences through dialogue.

Khan Thursday congratulated Modi on his electoral triumph and expressed desire to work with him for peace and prosperity in South Asia.

Modi responded by saying, "I warmly express my gratitude for your good wishes. I have always given primacy to peace and development in our region”.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told the media that China has noted the interaction between the two leaders.

"We welcome that," he said.

"Both the countries are important countries in South Asia. Peace and harmony between both sides will serve the fundamental interests of both countries and common aspiration of the international community," he said.

"The two sides can continue to show goodwill, meet each other half way and resolve differences through dialogue, improve their relations and jointly uphold regional peace and stability," he said.

Tensions flared up between India and Pakistan after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

Amid mounting outrage, the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting the biggest JeM training camp in Balakot in Pakistan on February 26. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in an aerial combat and captured an IAF pilot, who was later handed over to India.

China, a close ally of Pakistan, played a role in easing tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad.

At the briefing, Lu also reaffirmed China's desire to further improve relations with India.

He said China attaches high importance to its bilateral relations with India and is keen to work with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deepen the political trust and mutual cooperation for closer partnership.

The spokesman referred to Chinese President Xi Jinping's congratulatory message to Prime Minister Modi, who was re-elected Thursday in a stunning victory in the general elections.

"China and India are important neighbours to each other. We are major developing countries and emerging markets. Last year, the Wuhan Summit between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi directed the future for our bilateral relations and opening up a new prospect," Lu said.