Chinese, Indian premiers agree to push forward cooperation

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-12-18 23:17

COPENHAGEN: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh agreed here on Friday to further develop the strategic cooperative partnership between their two countries.

Wen said the unity, cooperation and common development of China and India, which had a collective population of 2.5 billion people, were critical for the peace, stability and prosperity of Asia.

Singh said sustainable development of India and China was indispensable for turning the 21st century into a century of Asia. He said the India-China relationship was of strategic significance and India was willing to deepen the friendship and strengthen cooperation with China.

The two premiers also exchanged ideas on the process of the U.N. climate change conference.

Wen called on all parties to adhere to the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities," respect each other, negotiate on a equal basis, and strive for fair, reasonable and realizable outcomes.

Both China and India had made huge efforts for the conference, and China understood and supported India's self-initiated reduction targets, Wen said.

Singh agreed with Wen on the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities." He said India was satisfied with the coordination with China in climate change negotiations, and was willing to promote such communication and cooperation.