India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met here on Saturday for the 21st round of Special Representatives' talks between India and China where they agreed to look for "fair solution" to border issues.
According to a statement by the MEA, the talks were constructive and forward-looking and focussed on taking forward the India-China Closer Developmental Partnership in pursuance of the guidance provided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping at their informal summit at Wuhan in April this year.
The Special Representatives (SR) undertook a comprehensive review of earlier rounds of talks under the SR mechanism. Recalling the strategic guidance and support to their work provided by the leaders at the Wuhan summit, they resolved to intensify their efforts to achieve a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the India-China boundary question at an early date.
The Special Representatives underlined the importance of approaching the boundary question from the strategic perspective of India-China relations and agreed that an early settlement of the boundary question serves the fundamental interests of both countries.
"They agreed that pending the final resolution of the boundary question, it is important to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas and to ensure that the boundary question does not affect the overall development of the bilateral relationship. In this context, they noted the mature handling of issues relating to the India-China border areas since the Wuhan summit," the statement said.
Acknowledging the importance of predictability in border management, and in that context, underscoring the importance of maintaining strategic communication at all levels, the Special Representatives held discussions on various confidence-building measures to promote exchanges and communication between their border personnel. They directed the bilateral working mechanism on consultation and coordination for border affairs to work out further details in this regard.
The Special Representatives reviewed the recent developments in bilateral relations following the Wuhan Summit and subsequent meetings between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi in Qingdao in June and in Johannesburg in July. They underlined the importance of sustained and effective implementation of the directions given by their leaders with a view to further strengthening the Closer Developmental Partnership between India and China to mutual benefit and with due respect for each other's sensitivities, concerns, and aspirations.
The two sides shared the view that stable and balanced development of India-China relations is a positive factor for peace and prosperity in the region and the whole world. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of common interest and agreed to maintain close consultations on such issues, the statement added.
The Special Representatives underlined the importance of approaching the boundary question from the strategic perspective of India-China relations and agreed that an early settlement of the boundary question serves the fundamental interests of both countries.
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