Jiang made the remark in a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in northwest Beijing Tuesday morning.

Reviewing the friendly exchanges of the past 2000 years and more, Jiang noted that when he visited India in 1996, leaders of the two countries decided to establish a constructive partnership of cooperation oriented towards the 21st Century.

Bilateral ties had been restored and developed with concerted efforts on both sides, he said, adding the long-term, stable and healthy state-to-state ties are in the fundamental interests of the two nations and the two peoples.

This was also conducive to peace, stability and progress in the region and the world at large, Jiang said.

He was pleased that the two sides signed the declaration on principles for relations and comprehensive cooperation, and reached consensus on developing bilateral ties, during Vajpayee's ongoing China visit. He added that he hoped the two sides would continue to settle existing issues through consultation on an equal footing, mutual understanding and accommodation.

Vajpayee said China and India agreed to establish a constructive partnership of cooperation during Jiang's India tour in 1996.

India and China, both with long histories, needed to create a bright future together, he said, adding the two neighbors should strengthen mutual understanding and achieve common development.

During his visit, he saw with his own eyes China's astonishing changes. Leaders of both sides reached consensus on many important issues, which served to increase mutual trust and push forward bilateral cooperation, he said.

India hoped the two sides would make concerted efforts to solve the border issue and other historical issues, he said.

During the meeting, Jiang and Vajpayee exchanged views on the international situation and issues in south Asia.

Quoting the great Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore: "He has made his weapons his gods. When his weapons win he is defeated himself," Jiang said this was an oriental philosophy.

Jiang said China opposed the abuse of force in international relations, and supported all efforts that were conducive to maintaining international and regional peace.

China would continue to make its due contributions to this end, he added.

Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan was present at the meeting.

(Xinhua News Agency June 24, 2003)