India, China discuss bilateral issues

Natwar held talks with Zhaoxing and exchanged views on bilateral relations and regional issues.

External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh on Monday held talks with his Chinese counterpart Li Zhaoxing and exchanged views on a series of issues, including Indo-China relations and regional matters of common interest.

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The meeting between Natwar and Li, both alumni of the prestigious Beijing University, took place on the sidelines of the 22-member Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) at this booming coastal East Chinese City.

This is first meeting between Singh and Li after the Manmohan Singh-led government assumed office in New Delhi.

Beijing has vowed to do its utmost to further Sino-India relations in every aspect.

The Chinese Foreign Minister was especially keen to meet Singh in Qingdao, which is also Li's hometown, the host city for the third meeting of Foreign Ministers of the ACD.

Singh's visit to China comes at a time when both countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the five principles of peaceful co-existence or Panchsheel, jointly initiated by them in 1954.