Xi urges early negotiated solution to border issues with India

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday vowed to build strong ties with India, calling for negotiated solutions to the border issues between the two neighbors at an early date.

Xi made the remarks at a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of their joint attendance at a summit of BRICS countries, which will be held in Brazil from Tuesday to Wednesday.[Special coverage]

During their talks, Xi invited Modi to visit China at an early date. He said the two countries should converge development strategies, build closer development partnership and expand friendly exchanges in the fields of culture, education, religious affairs and youth.

Xi urged the two countries to launch a batch of exemplary projects in industrial investment and infrastructure building like railway construction, and expand cooperation in such fields as service trade, investment and tourism, so as to gradually realize a generally-balanced and sustainable bilateral trade.

The two countries, said Xi, should work together to advance the construction of the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor, so as to take the lead in regional economic integration.

Stressing stronger cooperation in multilateral affairs, Xi said the two countries should join hands in setting global rules, so as to raise the voice of developing countries.

China welcomes India to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank as a founding member, the Chinese president said.

Xi suggested the two sides manage, control and handle differences with a positive and forward-looking attitude, and find fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solutions to their border issues at an early date through friendly negotiations.

The two countries should jointly safeguard peace and tranquility of the border area before reaching a final settlement, added Xi.

For his part, Modi noted that the new Indian government is more committed to economic development, adding India hopes to learn from China's success and expand bilateral cooperation in various areas.

India welcomes Chinese companies to invest in its infrastructure, such as railway, and to build industrial zones, Modi said.

He stressed that India is willing to peacefully settle the border issues through the existing mechanisms and friendly negotiations.

The Indian prime minister urged the two countries to enhance coordination in international and regional affairs, so as to jointly promote peace, development, prosperity of Asia and the world as a whole.

Both Xi and Modi came to Fortaleza to attend the sixth summit of the BRICS, which consists of five emerging economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.