Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan met in Beijing Thursday with R.L. Bhatia, chairman of the China-India Eminent Persons' Group, who is here attending the fourth session of the Group.  

Tang said that developing Sino-Indian good-neighborly relations conforms to the fundamental interests of the two peoples, helps promote unity and cooperation among Asian nations, and benefits the stability and prosperity of the region and the world at large.

He said the two countries should maintain the good momentum of their bilateral ties, and realize the consensus reached by the two heads of state according to the declaration on the principles for relations and comprehensive cooperation between China and India.

Bhatia spoke highly of the relations between India and China, expressing the hope that the Group would continue its due role in promoting friendly cooperation between the two countries.

When meeting with Noda Takeshi, chairman of the Japan-China Society, Tang said it was significant for developing non-governmental exchanges between the two countries, and China welcomes Japanese people to visit China, particularly young people.

(Xinhua News Agency February 20, 2004)