China is willing to keep in close contact and enhance strategic mutual trust with India, Premier Li Keqiang said when he met with Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar in Beijing on April 19.

The Premier said that China and India are important neighbors and also the world’s biggest and most populous developing countries. Peaceful coexistence and friendly cooperation between the two countries will be beneficial to both sides and the world as a whole, he said.

Premier Li also said that China thinks highly of developing relations with India and is willing to properly address differences to promote the sound and stable development of Sino-Indian relations.

The Premier also noted that global economic recovery is weak and regional conflict is unceasing. The enhanced cooperation and common development of both countries will become a strong engine for development in Asia, as well as the world economy. Meanwhile, it will give an active signal of peaceful development to the world.

Premier Li said he hoped the defense departments and militaries of the two countries will strengthen exchange, dialogue and communication to safeguard peace and stability on the Sino-Indian border, and create good conditions for the development of relations between the two countries.

Parrikar said that the development of relations between the two countries has achieved good results. He said he hoped both countries will work hand in hand to properly address relevant issues and maintain close cooperation in every field. Further development of defense relations will be beneficial to promote economic and trade cooperation. He said he wishes that the two great countries will strengthen cooperation, promote their friendship and achieve more results.