'This is One of Our Most Important Strategic Partnerships,' Says PM Modi in China: Highlights

Beijing: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Beijing today and has got down to business. After a ceremonial welcome at the Great Hall of People, he held talks with Chinese premier Li Keqiang. India and China also signed a number of business agreements.

The two leaders made a joint statement after signing the agreements. Here are the highlights:

Premier Li speaks:

• We will serve as two engines for Asia
• If a truly Asian century will dawn it will depend on whether India and China can overcome difficulties and modernise
• We need to further strengthen our political trust, need more communication
• We need to seize the opportunity
• Trade volume is not that big between India and China
• Need to balance trade
• We do not deny we have some differences but we can manage and handle our disputes so that they don't affect growth of ties
• Need to keep up momentum of talks on boundary
• Need to uphold peace and tranquility on border

PM Modi speaks:

• I am very grateful to President Xi Jinping for special gesture of hosting me in Xian and for showing me city's extraordinary heritage
• I am pleased to visit China in the first year of my government. This is one of our most important strategic partnerships
• We have a historic responsibility to turn this relationship into a source of strength for each other and a force of good for the world
• Our conversations were candid, constructive and friendly. We covered all issues including those that trouble smooth development of relations
• On the boundary question, we agreed that we continue to explore a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution.
• We agreed that as we move ahead, we should should be sensitive to each other's interests and strengthen mutual trust and confidence
• Our decision to open consulates in Chengdu and Chennai reflects growing mutual confidence and shared commitment to expand relationships
• We have set high level of ambition for our economic partnership
• This has been a very productive and positive visit. I look forward to working with President Xi and Premier Li.