On May 20, 2013, Premier Li Keqiang and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh jointly met the press after their talks.

Li Keqiang said, he choose India as the first stop of my first visit abroad, for India is an important neighbour of China and both countries are the largest developing nations with the population over one billion. In retrospect, the two civilizations enjoyed constant and in-depth exchanges in history; looking to the future, the two countries are bestowed with tremendous potential for common development. When you sow the seeds in spring, you will have a bounty harvest in autumn.

Li Keqiang said, he had a friendly and candid talk with Prime Minister Singh. The two sides issued a joint statement directing the future cooperation in various areas, reaching strategic consensus, and strengthening strategic mutual trust. We both agreed that the two countries would regard each other’s development as great opportunities. China and India stay in concord will nurture new highlights of cooperation among Asian countries. The common development of China and India will create a new engine for world economy. Common interests between the two countries far outweigh the differences. The two countries will be able to draw on wisdom from the long history, to absorb nutrition from the rich experience, so as to solve the problems and tackle differences with broad-mindedness and candidness.

Li Keqiang pointed out that strengthening cooperation between China and India for common development is a blessing to Asia and the world. Without the common development of China and India, Asia is unlikely to become strong. Facing unprecedented opportunities for development, China and India need take full advantage of the agreements reached during the visit, pushing forward the bilateral relationship to a higher level while turning a new chapter for it.

Singh noted that mutual respect and mutually beneficial exchanges have always been the main theme of India-China relationship with the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence as the cornerstone. The present-day relations between the two countries are marked by increased contact, expanded cooperation and deepened understanding. The differences between the two countries have never hindered their bilateral relations. India and China have the wisdom and experience to properly tackle any differences between the two sides. By working together hand in hand, India and China will not only be able to promote their own development but also make positive contributions to the peace and prosperity of Asia and the world.

Before meeting the press, the two Prime Ministers witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements in various areas including economy and trade, agriculture, culture, environmental protection and local government exchanges.