Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit on Wednesday, calling for enhanced cooperation and mutual support in their countries’ pursuit of development.
During the meeting held in Johannesburg, Xi emphasized the significance of China and India strengthening communication and properly managing differences. “As time-honored civilizations and large developing countries at crucial phases of modernization, our mutual support is key to advancing the fundamental interests of our peoples,” Xi stated.
He urged both nations to shoulder their international responsibilities, set an example in fostering unity among developing countries, and contribute to promoting a multipolar world and greater democracy in international relations. “Development is our biggest common denominator,” Xi noted, calling for partnership over competition and a harmonious path for neighboring countries to prosper together.
Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the importance of stable India-China relations. “Maintaining steady development between our nations is of great significance to our peoples,” he said. Modi highlighted that cooperation between the two major economies would aid global economic recovery and promote multipolarity. He expressed India’s commitment to enhancing strategic communication with China and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation.
The leaders spoke positively about recent progress in resolving border issues through intensive communication. They agreed to utilize the meeting mechanism between their special representatives to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas and seek fair and reasonable solutions.
Both sides concurred on conducting dialogues between foreign ministers and officials at all levels to restore bilateral relations to a stable trajectory promptly. They agreed that the meeting was constructive and significant, emphasizing a strategic and long-term perspective in handling bilateral relations and ensuring that specific differences do not hinder the overall relationship.
The meeting between Xi and Modi signals a hopeful step toward strengthened ties between the world’s two most populous nations, offering potential benefits not only for their citizens but also for the broader global community.
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Xi urges China, India to support each other's pursuit of development
cgtn.com
