Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Tuesday highly valued relations between China and India, saying strong bilateral ties will usher in a true Asian century.

It is when China and India are really strong enough and fully bring out their vitality that it will "usher in a new true Asian century," Wen said at a press conference shortly after the end of national legislature's annual session.

We recalled his successful visit to India last year, and said the two countries reached a strategic partnership for peace and prosperity, signed a political principle guiding the settlement of the border issue and worked out a five-year plan for China-India trade and economic development.

This year marks the year of friendship between China and India, Wen said, adding, "cultural exchanges will be high on the agenda."

"Now China-India relations have entered a new historical stage," he said, hoping the China-India "fraternal friendship will become vibrant and strong" and remain in the hearts of the two oriental states.

The press conference was telecast live in the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing.

(Xinhua News Agency March 14, 2006)