The world's top two most populous nations and largest potential markets have a historic opportunity for economic and social development, as declared by a joint statement issued during Premier Li Keqiang's visit to India. And the realization of this goal will advance peace and prosperity in Asia and the world at large.

As his first overseas trip since taking office, Li's visit to India is a reflection of the high importance China has attached to developing friendly and good-neighborly relations with New Delhi. And the publication of the joint statement after Li's talks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh which outlined political, economic, military and cultural cooperation, as well as collaboration on a wide range of important international and regional issues, highlights the togetherness of the two countries.

In the statement, the two countries reiterated the principles and consensuses that have been established for many years on the development of China-India relations and said they are devoted to further consolidating a strategic and cooperative partnership oriented toward peace and prosperity on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and mutual respect of each other's concerns and aspirations.