At the beginning of the new century, it is the common aspiration of the peoples of the two countries to deepen mutual understanding, enhance trust, develop friendship and strengthen cooperation.

Since China has a population of 1.1 billion, it won't feel lonely even if it becomes the only socialist country.

We have reiterated on many occasions that China wishes to establish and develop long-term, good-neighbourly and friendly relations with all countries in south Asia.

People of all countries have the right to choose their own social system and road to development in the light of their national conditions and characteristics.

Today, being the biggest developing countries in the world, China and India are both committed to developing their economy and raising their people's living standards.

When President Jiang Zemin visited India in 1996, the two sides decided that they would jointly build a constructive partnership of cooperation oriented towards the 21st century.

In the new century, we should continue to work together to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the vast number of developing countries including China and India and promote the establishment of a just and equitable new international political and economic order.