(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-01-15 21:41

China and India, the world's two biggest developing countries, reinforced their confidence to further develop ties, vowing to promote their relations to a higher level.

In a speech delivered at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, a top government think tank, visiting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh demonstrated his confidence about the role the two nations will play in transforming Asia and the world.

"I look forward with optimism to the future and the role which India and China are destined to play in the transformation of Asia and the world," he said.

Singh conveyed his optimism to Chinese President Hu Jintao in their meeting on Tuesday afternoon, saying Sino-Indian relations are facing new and bigger opportunities to develop, and the cooperation between the two would benefit not only Asia, but also the world at large.

Echoing Singh's view, Hu said the countries should maintain high-level exchange and cooperation in various fields, calling on the two to deepen the strategic dialogue and cooperation in an effort to intensify the political and social foundation for the development of the bilateral relations.

Hu suggested the two sides fortify their cooperation in fields such as trade, energy, science and technology and investment. He proposed sensitive issues be settled through dialogue based on the spirit of mutual respect and equal consultation.

The two nations should also work closer to address global challenges and safeguard the interests of developing countries, he added.

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