Premier Wen Jiabao Sunday evening put forward his three-point expectation to his India visit one day before talks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.  

First, to confirm the bilateral relationship from the long-term perspective and strategic height; second, to issue a guiding principle to solve the border issue so that the two sides could lay a foundation for an equal and reasonable settlement that respects history while considering the current situation; third, to outline the economic and trade cooperation in the next five years.

Wen made the remarks when he met with Sonia Gandhi, president of All Indian National Congress (AINC). The meeting was being originally arranged on Tuesday morning.

Wen pointed out having a correct knowledge about Sino-Indian relations and handling it properly are important not only for the two countries, but also for peace and development of Asia and the world at large.

Only if China and India develop could have a real Asia century arrived, he said.

"China hopes to see a peaceful and prosperous India, and a peaceful and stable China is also in the interest of India," Wen said, noting China would like to make joint progress with India.

Gandhi said the expectation Wen has expressed is sincere, demonstrating the determination of the two peoples for further cooperation. She believed the two sides could work together to achieve the goals. 

Wen also praised for the visit to China in 1988 by Rajiv Gandhi, former Indian prime minister and husband of Sonia Gandhi, saying the visit enabled the bilateral ties to march a major step.

He appreciated that the AINC has long attached importance to relationship with China, and voiced the belief that Gandhi will continue to push forward Sino-Indian relations.

Wen arrived in New Delhi from Bangalore late Sunday afternoon to continue his tour to India, the final leg of his four-nation South Asia tour that has taken him to Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

(Xinhua News Agency April 11, 2005)