Thursday, January 6 2005 17:35 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Jakarta: India and China today (Jan 6, 2005) decided to maintain positive momentum in bilateral ties with a long-term strategic perspective covering resolution of the vexed border issue.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh, at a meeting in Jakarta reviewed the satisfactory and comprehensive development of bilateral ties that have improved qualitatively and entered a new phase, the sources said.

During their 12-minute meeting on the sidelines of a summit of tsunami-hit nations and key aid donors in Jakarta, they agreed that the two countries should look for ways and means to maintain positive momentum in bilateral relations.

The momentum has to be from a long-term strategic perspective as well to resolve border issue, the sources said.

The Chinese premier said he was eagerly looking forward to his visit to India this year which would be an important event that would further consolidate Sino-India ties.

Wen told Singh that he admired greatly the courage and determination shown by people of India and the nation in dealing with the tsunami disaster.

Singh thanked the Chinese leader for his sincere sentiments.

Both the leaders are here along with Prime Ministers and Presidents of several countries and aid organisations to discuss the distribution of aid among the tsunami hit nations.