India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi looks on as he visits the Terracotta Warriors Museum in Xi'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Modi has arrived for his first visit as prime minister to China before heading to South Korea. Photo: AFP

Chinese President Xi Jinping and visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed ways to strengthen relations between China and India in Xi'an, capital city of Shaanxi Province, Xi's home province, on Thursday afternoon.

"This is the first time I have treated a foreign leader in my hometown and I hope you have a happy stay," Xi said at the start of the meeting.

Xi said during his September visit they reached an important consensus on promoting the bilateral strategic partnership of cooperation and forging a closer partnership of development.

Both sides maintained frequent high-level contact and engagement, promoted cooperation in priority areas, including construction of railway and industrial parks, strengthened exchanges, controlled border areas and kept good communication on international and regional affairs, Xi said.

Xi welcomed Modi and thanked him for the warm reception he received on his India visit in September, when the Indian PM accompanied him to visit his home state of Gujarat.

"That left me with a deep and good impression," Xi said.

China-India relations are experiencing stable development and broad prospects, he added, predicting that Modi's visit will strengthen the partnership.

Xi called on the two countries to look at their ties from a long-term perspective, strengthen coordination on global and regional affairs, and "steer the international order to develop in a fairer direction."

The two countries could strengthen communication on the Belt and Road Initiative, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and Modi's "Act East" policy, find areas of common interest, and hone a mode of cooperation with reciprocal benefit, Xi said.

He said the two countries should seek common ground in their respective development strategies to jointly promote the region's economic integration and contribute to global economic growth.

He called for more bilateral cooperation in areas including railways, industrial parks, urbanization and training, pledging to encourage Chinese companies to invest in India.

The president also expressed his hope that the two countries can trust each other more and control their disputes to avoid weakening bilateral ties.

Calling China a great neighbor, Modi said India was ready to communicate and cooperate more closely with China, increase cultural exchanges and properly handle disputes.

He also voiced hope for more bilateral trade and closer cooperation with China within the AIIB. He said he believes the AIIB will play an important role in regional economic and social development, and that India welcomes increased Chinese investment.

With regard to South Asia, Xi stressed that China has close relationships in the area and supports the region to maintain friendly ties. China is ready to strengthen reciprocal cooperation with all South Asian nations and promote the region's peace, stability and prosperity, he said.

This three-day tour is Modi's first China visit. Premier Li Keqiang and top legislator Zhang Dejiang will also meet him in Beijing on Friday.
Newspaper headline: Xi: Ties need long-term perspective