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| FM hails China－India Joint Declaration a landmark document |
| CCTV.COM 2003-06-25 09:06:26 |
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China has hailed the newly signed Declaration on Principles for Relations and Comprehensive Co－operation with India as a landmark document. The assessment came Tuesday via China's Foreign Ministry.
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Kong Quan said that the joint declaration signed by China and India on Monday is a historic one.
" The declaration is positive, balanced and mutually beneficial. It is highly significant for current China－India relations as well as for future long－term bilateral ties. It will also contribute to development and prosperity in southeast Asia," Kong said.
He said that under the terms of the document, India has made a positive statement by confirming that the Tibet Autonomous Region is a inalienable part of China. The declaration lays down goals and guidelines for the two countries' relations and provides a blueprint for co－operation.
But he pointed out that trade between the two countries has not caught up with the size of their economies.
" Bilateral trade volume stood at 4.9 billion US dollars last year. The trade volume from January to May increased by 70 percent over the same period last year. Bilateral economic relations are witnessing rapid development. However, the figure is far from enough considering the size and potential of the two economies," the spokesman added.
Kong Quan said that though the current state visit by Indian Prime Minister is still going on, he can say that this visit is and will be a big success.
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Editor: Xiao Wei CCTV.com
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