India, China reaffirm the need to maintain peace and tranquility on border

Hua Hin (Thailand), Oct.25 (ANI): India and China have reaffirmed the need to maintain peace and tranquility on the border during their talks held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Thailand.

"The (Chinese) Premier and I reaffirmed the need to maintain peace and tranquility on the border paving way for the resolution of the boundary question. Both of us agreed that we should continue and strengthen efforts to build political trust and understanding," said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh while interacting with media in Cha-Am Hua Hin city.

On the issue of Dalai Lama, the Tibetan leader living in exile in India, Dr.Manmohan Singh said:

"The Dalai Lama is our honoured guest. He is a religious leader. We do not allow the Tibetan refugees to indulge in political activities and as proof of that last year we took resolute action at the time of Olympics when there were reports that some Tibetan refugees might disrupt the process. That is the position I explained to Premier Wen."

Dr. Singh informed that all the countries affected by terrorism agreed to co-operate with each other in their fight against terrorism.

"There are countries which are affected by terrorism in Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia. So there is a general agreement that there should be co-operation in counter terror facilities, that there should be exchange of information and intelligence. On this, all countries are agreed," said Dr. Singh.

Asked whether the issue of Chinese involvement in development of infrastructure in Pakistan administered Kashmir was raised, the Prime Minister Dr. Singh said that it would be addressed shortly.

"I did not specifically raised these issues but we both agreed that whatever issues are outstanding, they should be discussed two days later," the PM said.

Leaders from the ASEAN, India, China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and Australia are attending the East Asia Summit being held on the sidelines of the 15th ASEAN Summit.

ASEAN comprises Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei and the Philippines. By Lokendra Singh (ANI)