Essential for India, China to walk together: Mukherjee

It is essential for India and China to "walk together" to make this century "Asia's century", President Pranab Mukherjee has said ahead of his visit to China.

In an interview to Xinhua News Agency, the transcript of which was released on Friday, the president also said both countries are engaged in finding early resolution to outstanding issues.

"We accord high priority to our relations with China.

"As two major Asian countries, the two sides are aware of the potential that bilateral relations hold. Both sides are engaged to find an early resolution to the outstanding issues which hold back development of bilateral relations to its fuller potential," he said.

The president said India wishes to have a "strong partnership" with China based on "mutual trust and friendship, and sensitivity to each other's concerns, interests and aspirations".

He also said that during his forthcoming state visit, he will exchange views on all aspects of India's ties with the Chinese leadership.

"I firmly believe that it is essential for the peoples of both countries to walk together on the world stage in order to make this century a truly Asian century," he said.

President Mukherjee also called China "one of our most important partners" and said India is committed to "intensifying engagement".

Mukherjee is scheduled to visit China from May 24 to 27.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China in May last year.

--IANS

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