India, China hold discussions on consolitating ties

New Delhi, Sept 18 (UNI) India and China today held discussions on consolidating the 'Strategic and Cooperative Partnership' and bilateral ties.

Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon who is in China for discussions with Chinese leaders on issues of bilateral interest, called on State Councillor Tang Jiaxuan, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Assistant Foreign Minister He Yafei in Beijing today.

''The discussions covered further steps to improve and consolidate their bilateral relations, regional and international issues,'' an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said here.

Sources said the Indo-US Nuclear deal also figured during the talks.

China is an important member of the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) whose go ahead is crucial for further progress on the nuclear agreement.

''The discussions were positive, constructive and fruitful,'' the spokesman added.

UNI