Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao exchanged views with visiting Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on bilateral relations, regional and international issues of common concern during their talks at the Great Hall of the People Monday morning.

The Chinese government and people attach great importance to Vajpayee's visit, Wen said, noting he believes the visit will have a major bearing on further development of the Sino-Indian relationship.

Vajpayee said he expects to exchange views in a wide range with Chinese leaders on bilateral ties and other issues of common concern during his visit.

Noting he was glad to meet Chinese President Hu Jintao in St Petersburg last month, Vajpayee said India treasures the cooperative relationship with China, and he has brought with him the Indian people's friendly feelings of peace, trust and cooperation.

Vajpayee said he believes his visit will enhance the mutual trust and understanding between the two peoples and the two governments, and help push forward bilateral cooperation in a more extensive way.

(People's Daily June 23, 2003)