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China on Thursday said it wanted 'stable' relations with India and hoped that opening of direct flights between Beijing and New Delhi would act as a bond between the two neighbouring countries.
"The Chinese government attach great importance to the long-term, stable friendly relations and good-neighbourly cooperation with India," Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue told mediapersons at a briefing.
Commenting on External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh's five-day visit starting on Friday, Zhang said, "It will be of great importance in promoting friendly cooperation, exchanges of high-level visits and promoting the mutually beneficial cooperation."
"We believe that this visit will yield positive results and play a constructive role in promoting the friendly exchanges and cooperation," she said.
She said the two foreign ministers will exchange views on bilateral issues and issues of common interests during their talks.
She also noted that Sino-Indian relations have been growing 'at a good pace' and pointed out that during Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji's successful visit to India in January, the two sides reached a consensus on the future development of bilateral ties.
Apart from talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan, Singh would call on Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji and Vice Premier Qian Qichen.
Related Report: Jaswant's visit to rejuvenate Sino-Indian ties
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