India wants the best of relations with China: Dr Singh

Soon after his meeting with US President Barack Obama in Bali, Dr Singh drove down to Hotel Laguna to meet his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao.

Dr Singh told Wen that India was committed to developing the "best of relations" with China while the latter underlined that the two countries should work "hand-in-hand" to ensure that the 21st century belongs to Asia.

"We are neighbours and also large growing economies of Asia. We should cooperate bilaterally and globally," Dr Singh told Wen.

To press this point, Dr Singh noted that whenever India and China had worked together on climate change, it has had a "positive impact" on the global stage.

Visualising "cooperative partnership" with China, Dr Singh reminded Wen that he had said that "there is enough space in the world for both India and China to grow."

Adding on this point, Wen said, "There are enough areas in our world where India and China can enhance cooperation."

While Wen said it was a great pleasure to exchange views on major issues with Dr Singh, the latter said he has benefitted enormously from their conversations.

Wen added, "I often remember you said India and China can grow together, and we think for the 21st century. It is important for both of us to achieve modernisation.

Dr Singh too reciprocated by saying, "We are committed to developing the best of relationships with China, and we should cooperate. Wherever we have worked together, we have had a positive impact on the global stage."

The meeting between the two, the fourth in quick succession, lasted 40 minutes.