Tianjin. Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday said it was important for China and India to be friends and the “dragon and elephant” come together in his opening remarks during delegation-level talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday.

Noting that the world is going through a complex and unstable phase, Xi said that for both China and India – two ancient civilizations, two most populous countries and members of the global South – becoming friends and good neighbours, enabling each other’s success and “dancing together with dragons and elephants is the right choice”.

“I am delighted to meet Prime Minister Modi again and welcome him to China at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Tianjin Summit,” Xi said. ’

“Last year, we had a successful meeting in Kazan, which gave a new beginning to China-India relations. Important points that we have agreed on have been implemented by both sides and bilateral exchanges and cooperation have made progress. ’

“Today, the world is influenced by changes that happen only once in a century. The international situation is unstable. China and India are two ancient civilizations, the world’s two most populous countries, and as important members of the Global South, both have a historical responsibility to improve people’s well-being, promote the unity of developing countries, and advance the progress of human society. It is the right decision to allow good neighbors and friendly friends, partners who enable each other’s success, and dragons and elephants not to dance together. ’

Recalling that this year marks the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations, Xi said both sides need to look at the relationship from a strategic height and long-term perspective. Only in this way can the relationship move towards sustainable, stable and strong development.

We must work together to support multilateralism, bring democracy to the multipolar world and international relations, and contribute to peace and prosperity in Asia and the world. ’