JOIN US
Speaking to Deccan Herald after concluding his visit during which he held bilateral discussions with premier Wen Jiabao and Chinese foreign minister Yang Jiechi and signing of agreement on hotline between Wen and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Krishna remarked, “purpose of my visit is more than fulfilled. It is a bright start to celebrations (of the launch of 60th year of diplomatic relations)”.
During the visit, Krishna declared open the Festival of India which will be held in 30 Chinese cities.
Krishna added: “My meetings with Yang and Wen were important ones. In both the meetings, the relationship between the two countries dominated the discussions. That was the central point of our dialogue.
‘Defining moments’
“The two meetings have helped reinforce cordial relations that exist between the two countries and expand relationships to other areas which had not been covered so far. These are defining moments in history. We always considered China as civilisational contact point”.
Asked how he would sum up the visit in terms of gains and no-results, the minister said bilateral relationship was a lengthy process.
“It cannot be mathematically enumerated. The process of relationship has to be looked at in terms of long term and medium term perspectives . I was looking at it in terms of long term perspectives. I am very satisfied”. Referring to possible talks between India and Pakistan at the foreign secretary-level, Krishna said “India never shied away from talks and always showed willingness to talk to Pakistan, whether bilateral or multilateral.
“An initiative was taken by us to invite the Pak Foreign Secretary to India for talks. The two foreign secretaries talked to each other”.