China Friday welcomed exchange of greetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan, expressing hope that two neighbours will continue to show goodwill, meet each other “half way” and resolve their differences through dialogue.
Khan Thursday congratulated Modi on his electoral triumphand expressed desire to work with him for peace and prosperity in South Asia.
Modi responded by saying, “I warmly express mygratitude for your good wishes. I have always given primacy to peace anddevelopment in our region”.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told the mediathat China has noted the interaction between the two leaders. “We welcomethat,” he said.
“Both the countries are important countries in SouthAsia. Peace and harmony between both sides will serve the fundamental interestsof both countries and common aspiration of the international community,”he said.
“The two sides can continue to show goodwill, meet eachother half way and resolve differences through dialogue, improve theirrelations and jointly uphold regional peace and stability,” he said.
Tensions flared up between India and Pakistan after asuicide bomber of Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir’sPulwama district on February 14.
China, a close ally of Pakistan, played a role in easingtensions between New Delhi and Islamabad.
At the briefing, Lu also reaffirmed China’s desire tofurther improve relations with India.
“China and India are important neighbours to each other.We are major developing countries and emerging markets. Last year, the WuhanSummit between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi directed the future for ourbilateral relations and opening up a new prospect,” Lu said.