New Delhi: Defence Minister A K Antony yesterday held talks with his Chinese counterpart, General Chang Wanquan, and Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing, and both sides agreed to the need for “strategic communication” for building trust and understanding.
The two sides agreed to maintain peace on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and strengthen communication and coordination at various levels between their forces on the border.
Antony, who is on a four-day official visit to China, held delegation-level talks with Gen. Chang, an official release said here.
He later called on Li Keqiang, who told him that the new leadership in China attached great importance to developing friendly and cooperative relations with India.
Antony said India reciprocated the sentiment and looked forward to further building the relationship on a foundation of mutual trust and confidence based on respect for each other’s concerns.
During the meeting with Gen. Chang, the two sides discussed measures to promote mutual trust and confidence building between their armed forces.
“It was agreed that strategic communication is required for building trust and understanding,” the release said. However, it did not elaborate on “strategic communication.”
During the meetings, both sides discussed issues related to bilateral defence relations, exchanges and interactions between the ministries of defence and armed forces of the two countries and regional and international security situation.
“Both sides agreed on the need to maintain peace, tranquility and stability on the LAC. It was acknowledged that the border issue is a remnant of history which both sides are making efforts to resolve and it was agreed that the Special Representatives mechanism should continue to work towards a solution,” the release said.
The two sides discussed the third joint army exercise in China in October this year.
Both sides have also agreed that there will be enhanced professional exchanges between their naval and air forces.
Antony was assisted by Ambassador to China S Jaishankar, Defence Secretary R K Mathur, the army’s Eastern Command chief Lt-General Dalbir Singh, Southern Naval Command chief Vice Admiral Satish Soni and other officers of the defence ministry and armed forces.
IANS
