Narendra Modi meets Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang; discusses bilateral ties

Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang and discussed bilateral ties and global issues of mutual concern, as he underlined that the two countries should increase strategic coordination to tackle the common threat of terrorism. Condemning the recent spurt of terror attacks in Paris and Mali, Modi said the menace of terrorism was the biggest challenge facing humanity.

During the meeting on the sidelines of ASEAN-India Summit here, the Prime Minister said that there was a need for the international community to eschew their political differences and unite to face this menace, External Affairs Ministry Spokesman Vikas Swarup told reporters.

Modi said that countries should put aside their political differences and came together to help the affected. He said that both India and China faced the threat of terrorism and there was a need to increase strategic coordination.

On his part, Li said China was against terrorism and cooperation between the two countries on terrorism would help Asia become more safe. The two leaders felt that slowing down of global trade offers an opportunity for both India and China to work together and become drivers of global growth.

Li noted that India had maintained its growth momentum despite global downturn and its flagship initiatives like 'Make un India', 'Digital India' offered opportunities for Chinese to partner with India, Swarup said.

The two sides were unanimous that developed countries must provide assistance in capacity building and technology transfer to developing countries, the spokesperson added. Modi also briefed Li on the Solar Alliance to make solar energy and invited China to consider jointing the alliance.

The two leaders also discussed economic cooperation and Modi said India wanted to benefit from Chinese expertise. Modi also noted that Electronic Authorisation Visa had helped more Chinese travel to India. Li said that China and India, the world's two largest developing countries - have more common interests than divergences.

"China and India boosting mutual trust and cooperation will not only achieve win-win results, but also contribute to the peace, development and prosperity of Asia and the world at large," Li said.

Modi arrived here early today on a three-day visit to Malaysia to attend the ASEAN-India and East Asia summits.