On May 21 local time, Premier Li Keqiang delivered a speech entitled Seizing the New Opportunities in China-India Strategic Cooperation at the Indian Council of World Affairs, expounding the domestic and foreign policies of the Chinese government and envisioned the bright future of China-India relationship.
Li Keqiang said, as neighboring countries with the largest populations and greatest market potential, China and India are natural partners of cooperation. Our two countries have far more common interests than differences. We both agree that we should see each other's development as an important opportunity for ourselves, join our efforts to open up a new chapter in the bilateral relations, and foster new bright spots of Asian cooperation and new engines for the global economy. If we can achieve common development, it will be a true blessing for Asia and the world.
Li Keqiang said, during my visit, China and India have reached extensive strategic consensus and increased strategic trust. The fact that we are able to put issues of mutual concern on the table and have open and honest discussions about them shows that both sides have the sincerity for exchanges and the wisdom for solving problems. As long as we look to the future, increase mutual trust and focus energy on resolving problems and deepening cooperation, we will succeed in taking China-India relations to a new high. The two sides have agreed some new outcomes for the purpose of growing our Strategic and Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity. First, we have launched a new agenda for all-round cooperation between our two fast growing neighboring countries. Second, we have established new ways for connecting and drawing on the complementarity of our two most promising markets. Third, we have explored new ways for increasing connectivity between our two emerging economies. Fourth, we have identified new areas of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between our two time-honored nations. Fifth, we have agreed to strengthen communication and coordination in international and regional affairs.
Li Keqiang noted, that today, the trend of peace, development and cooperation is clear and irreversible. Many emerging markets and developing countries are on the rise. China and India are the two largest developing countries and emerging markets, and China-India relations are one of the most important bilateral relationships in the 21st century world. We have tremendous room for expanding cooperation. Building on what we have achieved and looking ahead to the future, we must firmly seize the new opportunities in strategic cooperation between China and India. Cultural interflow and mutual learning between our two great civilizations will generate fresh vitality in the new era. The complementarity and connection of our two big markets will unleash new potential for development. The common development of our two big neighboring countries will create a new paradigm of cooperation. Peaceful coexistence between our two major developing countries will be of global significance.
Li Keqiang expressed that, China owes its development and progress in the last 30 years and more to the path of peaceful development. China will always be a staunch defender of world peace. We would like to work with India and other South Asian countries to play our due role for regional peace and development, so that the Asian continent that both China and India belong to will be a land of peace, development and cooperation.
Li Keqiang said, China is committed to the strategy of developing friendly relations with India. The two sides should always proceed from the strategic and overall interests in developing the bilateral relations. We should always remember that we are not a threat to each other, nor will we ever contain each other; instead, we stand as each other's cooperation partner and development opportunity. We should enhance mutual understanding, dispel misgivings and solidify the foundation of our strategic and political trust. We are willing to make joint efforts with India to further enrich China-India strategic cooperation partnership, to push forward the bilateral cooperation to a new high.
Li Keqiang pointed out that, practical cooperation now offers the greatest potential in boosting bilateral relations. We should connect China's westward opening-up strategy with India's Look East policy. The two sides should step up cooperation in a wide range of areas to expand our bilateral trade still further.
Li Keqiang noted, the towering and meandering mountains cannot stop people of the two countries from admiring each other's splendid culture. We should encourage more cooperation at all levels in people-to-people and cultural exchanges, to cement public support, especially the support of the young people, for good bilateral relations so that our friendship will be handed down from generation to generation.
Li Keqiang remarked, China regards India as an important partner in international affairs. Without cooperation and common development between China and India, there will not be a strong Asia or a better future for the world. When China and India speak with one voice, the world will listen.
To conclude his speech, Li Keqiang said, nature has placed the people of China and India each on one side of the Himalayas, yet the mountain itself stands as an integral whole. As long as we stand higher and see the larger picture., look far into the future and work together, we will create a bright future of development and prosperity for our two countries, Asia and the world at large.
Li Keqiang's speech was warmly received and won huge round of applause.
Indian Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid and other senior government officials, members of the Indian Parliament, members of the Indian Council of World Affairs, members of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry and representatives from various circles of the society, altogether 500 plus guests, were present. Khurshid and Shri H. K. Dua, Member of the Rajya Sabha (RS, the Council of States) among others, made warm remarks. They hailed Premier Li Keqiang's visit as opening up a new chapter in India-China relations and expressed that India is willing to work with China to implement the achievements of this visit and push for greater progress in bilateral relations.
The Indian Council of World Affairs, founded in 1943, is a renowned think-tank for the study of diplomatic and international affairs.
On the same day at the hotel he stays, Li Keqiang also met with the Chinese Embassy staff and representatives of Chinese institutions, overseas Chinese and Chinese students in India.