Indian envoy meets Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, stresses 'criticality' of peace

New Delhi, June 23

Indian Ambassador to Beijing Pradeep Kumar Rawat met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi ahead of the BRICS summit and reiterated the criticality of maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

Rawat made the courtesy call on Wang on Wednesday which was his first meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister after he took charge as India’s new envoy to Beijing in March, said a press release issued by the Indian Embassy in Beijing.

“Bilateral and multilateral issues of interest to both sides were touched upon during the conversation. Wang conveyed that at the highest level of leadership of the two countries, there is consensus on the importance of bilateral relations for Asia and the world. Wang said the border issue is important and we should stay committed to peacefully addressing it through consultation and coordination,” it said. “Wang mentioned that the Chinese side attached importance to India’s concerns regarding the return of Indian students and that he hoped to see early progress on this’ and also referred to the discussions on resumption of direct flight connectivity between the two sides,” it said.

The Chinese foreign ministry said Wang pointed out that the common interests of China and India far outweigh their differences, adding that the two sides should support rather than undermine each other, strengthen cooperation rather than guard against each other, and enhance mutual trust rather than be suspicious of each other. He wanted the two sides to meet each other halfway to put bilateral relations back onto the track.