2010-04-01 22:23

BEIJING - China on Thursday highlighted common ground with India in the run-up to Indian Foreign Minister Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna's visit to Beijing.

"We believe the two sides will take the opportunity of Krishna's visit to carry out dialogue, promote cooperation and push forward China-India relations," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang.

Qin told a regular news briefing that Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi were scheduled to meet with Krishna, whose visit would last from April 5 to 8.

Qin said the two countries shared common ground in tackling global challenges.

"China and India are both important neighbors and emerging economies," said Qin. "The neighborly and friendly cooperation between the two countries is of great importance for the two sides to jointly deal with global issues and maintaining world peace and stability.

"We hope the two countries can deal with problems and challenges they are facing from strategic and overall perspectives," said Qin.

"We are willing to work with India to boost strategic trust, step up mutually-beneficial cooperation, and further coordination in international affairs to promote bilateral ties," said Qin.