Chinese Foreign Minister calls on President

Speaking on the occasion, the President said India and China have excellent relations.

He said the Foreign Minister’s visit will further strengthen these relations.

"There is consensus across the political spectrum in India on maintaining a close and cooperative relationship with China. The new Government will strive to place the India-China relationship on a trajectory of stable growth, development and expansion," said Mukherjee.

The President asked the Foreign Minister to convey his greetings to the President of China and said he was eagerly looking forward to receiving President Xi Jinping in India later this year.

He recalled how India and China have cooperated with each other in various international fora, including the G20, IMF, World Bank etc. in the context of the financial crisis.

"India and China jointly contributed to the revival of the world economy. There is continuity in India-China relations. We must discover new dimensions in our strategic cooperative partnership and move from strength to strength," he said.

The Chinese Foreign Minister described the President as an old friend of China who has made important contribution to the growth of relations between the two countries.

"In today’s constantly changing international environment, China and India are new, rising powers. Important opportunities exists for developing relations. India and China as two big neighbours, markets, economic power houses and ancient civilizations, should work together for the common peace and prosperity of the world and the entire human race," he said.

"As each other’s biggest neighbours, it was essential to consolidate, continue and seek new progress in bilateral relations," he added.