China, India agree on closer communications, co-op

China and India agreed Thursday to regularize their exchanges of high-level visits and inaugurate a package of other measures to enhance bilateral ties.

Reflecting their strategic and cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity, "the two sides decided to establish the mechanism of regular exchange of visits between Heads of State/Government," said a joint communique released after Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks here with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The two leaders welcomed the opening of a telephone hotline between the Chinese premier and Indian prime minister, and agreed on regular consultations on issues of importance to both sides, the document added.

Meanwhile, the two sides also endorsed the launching of a mechanism of annual exchange of visits between their foreign ministers, according to the joint communique.

In addition, the two Asian neighbors agreed to initiate a strategic economic dialogue to enhance macro-economic policy coordination and try to bring their annual trade to 100 billion U.S. dollars by 2015.

Concerted efforts were also called for to expand bilateral cooperation and pursue win-win results in education, banking, infrastructure construction, environmental protection and information technology among many others.

In a bid to better mutual understanding between the two nations, China and India designated 2011 as the Year of China-India Exchange and decided to broaden exchanges between the two countries' civil society organizations, youth, media, scholars and artists.

The two sides also agreed to continue operation regarding trans-border rivers and reiterated their firm commitment to resolving outstanding differences including the boundary question at an early date through peaceful negotiations.

In the wake of the international financial crisis, the two sides pledged to "strengthen communication and consultation within the G20 framework, jointly facilitate the improvement of global economic governance and advance economic globalization towards balanced development and shared benefits."

They also agreed to further coordination and cooperation under other multilateral frameworks, and expressed their commitment to fighting terrorism and promoting efforts in arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation.

"China attaches great importance to India's status in international affairs as a large developing country, understands and supports India's aspiration to play a greater role in the United Nation, including in the Security Council," said the joint communique.

Looking at the runaway climate, Beijing and New Delhi urged continued international adherence to the principles of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change and the the Kyoto Protocol, including that of "common but differentiated responsibilities."

The comprehensive consensus was reached as the two largest developing countries celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

The two sides agreed that they "shoulder important and historical responsibilities of ensuring their comprehensive and sustainable economic and social development."

With their ties gaining increasing global and strategic significance, the two countries "also make a vital contribution to advancing peace and development in Asia and in the world at large," said the joint communique.

According to the document, Singh accepted an invitation from Wen, who arrived here on Wednesday for a three-day official visit, to visit China next year.