'Sino-India joint development conducive to peace in region'

Describing as "very fruitful" the four-day visit of External Affairs Minister S M Krishna here, China today said it would like to enlarge the scope of ties with India and contended that joint development of the two countries would be conducive to regional peace and stability.

Krishna had "extensive contacts" with the Chinese leaders, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu told a media briefing, replying to a question on the outcome of the External Affairs Minister's visit. His visit was "very successful and very fruitful," she said.

As two emerging major countries, India and China have common interests and concerns in many fields, Jiang said.

"The joint development of the two countries will benefit the two people and will be conducive to the peace and stability of the region and world at large. We would like to take this opportunity to promote a larger and new development of bilateral ties," she said.

Krishna left here for home this morning after his visit, during which he held talks with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Foreign Minster Yang Jiechi and signed an agreement to establish a hotline between the Prime Ministers of the two countries.

He also inaugurated he year-long celebrations in connection with the 60th year of establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.