Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi had a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar today. Referring to the recent visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to India, the Chinese Premier told Mr. Modi that it was a successful visit . Mr. Modi described Chinese President’s visit as memorable one. Earlier, addressing the 9th East Asia Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the need for a serious and sustained dialogue to strengthen the atmosphere of understanding and confidence among all the stake holders in East Asian region. He stated that the region has a number of complex and unresolved questions related to security.
He said that in the era of globalization and inter-dependence there is no option but to follow international laws and norms in every sphere including maritime security. He said international law and norms are important for resolving disputes in the South China Sea. Talking about terrorism, Mr. Modi expressed concern on the increase in challenges of terrorism and extremism saying they are linked to drugs and money laundering. He asserted that the world community must reject any linkage between religion and terrorism while formulating a genuinely international partnership in the fight against all forms of terror acts. The Prime Minister said that cyber and space should remain a source of connectivity and prosperity and should not become new theatres for conflict. He said, India supports the East Asia Summit Declaration on the Islamic State(Terror Group).
About India's Act East Policy, the Prime Minister said that after coming to power his government has given priority and speed to turn Look East policy into Act East policy. The Prime Minister said that balanced regional comprehensive economic partnership agreement which gives equal emphasis to goods and services can become a springboard for regional integration. He said ASEAN’s success is an inspiration for broader integration in the Asia Pacific region. On co-operation in tackling the threat of Ebola virus, Mr. Modi said India has contributed 12 million dollars in the efforts against Ebola. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister held bilateral meetings with Prime Minister of Russia and President of Philippines.
Before leaving for Australia to attend G-20 Summit, the Prime Minster will attend a reception of Indian Community hosted by Indian Embassy. This was the first meeting between the two leaders although Premier Li was the first foreign leader to speak with Mr. Modi over telephone for about 40 minutes immediately after he was sworn in as the Prime Minister . Despite their busy schedule ,they however spared some time and held the meeting. During the talks the Chinese Premier told Mr. Modi that he was keen to host him in Beijing.
