[Tamawaipsemek]

Joint Press Communique of the Ministry of Defence, Republic of India and The Ministry of National Defence, People's Republic of China

At the invitation of Defence Minister, Shri A. K. Antony, General Liang Guanglie, State Councillor and Minister of National Defence of the People`s Republic of China is on an official visit to the Republic of India from 02 to 06 September,2012.

Defence Minister Liang and his delegation visited Mumbai and Delhi. He inspected a Guard of Honour at South Block, New Delhi.

The two Defence Ministers had an extensive exchange of views on defence and military exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. They also discussed the regional security situation and international issues of common interest and concern. Both Ministers agreed that expanding bilateral cooperation between the Defence Ministries and Armed Forces of India and China helps enhance mutual trust, deepens friendship and promotes comprehensive development of the India-China Strategic and Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity. The two Defence Ministers agreed to work together to enhance mutual trust in the security field and continue to maintain peace and tranquility in the India-China border areas. They noted that the leaders of India and China have designated 2012 as the Year of India-China Friendship and Cooperation.

The two Ministers reached the following consensus on defence and military exchanges and cooperation to be conducted in 2012 and beyond:

(a) Strengthen high level exchanges between the two Defence Ministries and the Armed Forces of both sides. The Chinese side invited the Defence Minister of India to visit China in 2013. Raksha Mantri (Defence Minister) thanked the Chinese Defence Minister for the invitation and conveyed that the timing of his visit could be settled through diplomatic channels.

(b) Promote exchange of visits by personnel at different levels and in various fields.

(c) Establish a mechanism for exchange of visits by young officers from the Armed Forces of both sides.

(d) Conduct the next round of joint military exercises at the earliest.

(e) Strengthen border security cooperation between the border troops of the two sides so as to enhance and maintain peace and tranquility in the India-China border areas.

(f) Strengthen exchanges in personnel training, academic research and between educational institutions of the Armed Forces of both sides.

(g) Promote port calls by naval ships of the two sides and conduct joint maritime search and rescue exercises.

(h) Further enhance and strengthen cooperation between the Naval forces of both sides, in counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia.

(i) Work together to maintain peace and stability of the Asia- Pacific region.

The Chinese Defence Minister General Liang Guanglie called on Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh.

The Minister of National Defence, People`s Republic of China, General Liang expressed appreciation for the gracious hospitality extended by the Ministry of Defence, Republic of India during the visit.