India, China exchange felicitations as diplomatic ties complete 60 years

New Delhi, Apr 1 (ANI): On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China, messages of felicitations were exchanged between the Presidents, Prime Ministers and External Affairs Ministers of both countries.

Conveying "warm greetings and good wishes" to the leadership and friendly people of China, President Pratibha Patil, in her letter to the Chinese President Hu Jintao, observed that bilateral relations between both countries have gained in strength over the years.

"Our bilateral relations have gained in strength and momentum and have assumed global and strategic dimensions as a result of efforts by the two sides," President Patil said.

In his message to the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said India - China relations have diversified into almost all areas of human endeavour.

"They have achieved a high level of maturity that serves the interests of both our peoples and the cause of peace, stability and progress in the region and the world. We share a Strategic and Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity," Dr. Singh said.

Singh said both India and China important trade partners and cooperate closely in many global issues.

"We are important trade partners. We cooperate closely on many global issues. The shared vision for the 21st Century which we signed in 2008 provides the roadmap for our continued interaction and cooperation in the years ahead," he said.

"We regard the future of India - China relations with optimism" he added.

Dr. Singh said India is looking forward to work with the Chinese Premier to harness the vast potential for the further expansion of ties to realize the mutual aspirations of peoples of both countries.

In his communication to Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna remarked that India and China are rapidly developing countries, which share the objective of improving the living standards of people.

"In recent times, we have emerged as two of the fastest growing economies in the world," he said.

"Our resolve to work closely with China for the peace and prosperity of our region and the globe," Krishna added. (ANI)