Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 6, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping held meeting with Indian Minister of External Affairs Pranab Mukherjee here Friday, during which they vowed to strengthen their strategic ties.

    "China will work with India to promote the bilateral strategic partnership of cooperation and contribute to long-lasting peace and prosperity in the world," Xi said.

    He said China was satisfied with the development of relations with India. The two countries had cooperated in all areas, deepened mutual understanding and trust, and maintained close coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs.

    The strengthening of China-India friendship and cooperation would benefit the two peoples, and peace and development in Asia and the world, Xi said.

    Mukherjee said the cooperation between the two countries would not only be conducive to regional peace and prosperity, but also the whole world.

    India would join with China to push forward the strategic partnership of cooperation through exchanges and cooperation, Mukherjee said.

    Learning about the progress of the torch relay of the Beijing Olympic Games, Mukherjee wished Beijing Olympic Games a great success. Xi also thanked India for its support in the torch relay in New Delhi.

    Xi also briefed the guests on the relief situation since the May 12 earthquake, and expressed gratitude for Indian government’s assistance.

    Mukherjee said the Indian people would stand by the Chinese people in times of such difficulties.

    At the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Mukherjee started his official China tour on Wednesday. He also visited south China's Guangdong Province.

India awards national prize to Chinese linguist

    BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee awarded a national prize to Chinese linguist Ji Xianlin on Friday to honor his outstanding contribution to China-India cultural exchanges.

    Ji, born in 1911, has contributed significantly to the research on ancient Indian aboriginal languages, primeval Buddhist languages and Sanskritic literature. He also translated works on ancient Indian and primeval Buddhist languages. Full story

Indian FM calls for joint effort with China for regional security

    BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday urged India and China work together to safeguard peace, security and stability in Asia.

    Speaking at Peking University, Mukherjee said, "We will need to evolve a security architecture which takes into account the conditions prevailing in Asia." Full story