China India Photo: GT

China and India agreed on Thursday to hold the 21st round of commander-level talks at the earliest opportunity to promote the resolution of border issues, with the agreement being reached during the 28th Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on China-India Border Affairs.

The meeting was co-chaired by Hong Liang, director-general of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, and Joint Secretary of the East Asia Division of Ministry of External Affairs of India Gourangalal Das.

The two countries fully acknowledged the positive progress made in the negotiations on the China-India border situation and conducted comprehensive, in-depth, and constructive discussions on the current issues related to the China-India border. 

Both sides agreed to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and maintain the momentum of diplomatic and military negotiations. They also agreed to hold the 21st round of commander-level talks at the earliest opportunity to promote the resolution of border issues, and achieve an early turnaround in the border situation. 

Additionally, China and India have agreed to improve the negotiation and consultation mechanisms, consolidate the existing achievements of the negotiations, strictly abide by the agreements and measures reached by both sides, and jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas.

Representatives of government agencies for foreign affairs, national defense and immigration affairs from both countries were present at the meeting.

Global Times