Monday, January 24 2005 21:51 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Indicating their readiness to look at bilateral relationship in a long-term and strategic perspective, India and China today (Jan 24, 2005) launched a new dialogue mechanism with a "broad convergence" of views on important regional and global issues.

At the first-ever meeting of the strategic dialogue, detailed discussions took place on important regional and global issues that shape the present international environment, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna told reporters in New Delhi.

"There was broad convergence on views on these issues. Both sides also briefed each other on their respective foreign and security policies," he said.

The two sides held "substantive" discussions on bilateral ties, including in particular on preparations for the visit of Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao "later this year".

"The two sides agreed to closely work together to ensure a substantive outcome of the visit, which is expected to mark a new phase in the relationship between the two countries, he said.

While the Indian delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran, the Chinese side was led by visiting Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei.

Sarna said both sides were satisfied with the outcome of the discussions and felt that these have "further increased their mutual trust and understanding".

Describing the launching of the new dialogue mechanism as "significant", he said "in that it indicates their readiness to look at the bilateral relationship in a long-term and strategic perspective".

The two sides agreed to hold the next round of the strategic dialogue in China on mutually agreed dates.

Asked whether issues relating to nuclear doctrine and the Iraq situation came up during the parleys, he indicated that he would not like to go beyond what has been agreed by the two sides on what has to be communicated to the media.

"I will not be able to go into more specific details on what was discussed besides what we have agreed to share with the press more or less along the lines and details that we have given," he said.

Contending that this was a new dialogue mechanism, he said its purpose was to provide a mechanism which shows that the two countries were engaged with each other to enhance their strategic and long-term relationship.

To a question whether the border problem figured in the talks, he said "it is possible that as part of general discussions, the issue may have come up." But he went on to point out that the boundary issue was being dealt with separately by Special Representatives of the two countries.

Wu called on External Affairs Minister K Natwar and informed him of the outcome of the discussions.

The discussions between Saran and Wu, covering a wide range of issues, lasted nearly five hours.

On whether the strategic dialogue would be an annual affair, Sarna said no decision in this respect has been taken.

On whether Pakistan cropped up during the talks, he said "Our bilateral relationship with China is very strong. We have a fair amount to discuss on a bilateral level."