United Nations: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed support for the recent agreement between India and China aimed at enhancing their relationship and addressing border issues, as stated by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, on Wednesday.
Dujarric highlighted the importance of this bilateral diplomacy, stating, “We welcome the positive outcome from this significant effort.” He emphasized the need to commend international disputes that are resolved through bilateral negotiations.
After a five-year hiatus, India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Beijing on Monday for a formal gathering of the Special Representatives, which had been suspended following the military conflict in 2020.
India’s External Affairs Ministry commented on the meeting, underscoring the importance of stable and amicable relations between India and China for both regional and global peace and prosperity. They discussed constructive directions for cross-border cooperation and exchanges, including the revival of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, data sharing on trans-border rivers, and enhancing border trade.
This high-level meeting resumed following an agreement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan in October.
Dujarric pointed out that while unresolved international disputes often make headlines, many disputes are successfully resolved, either through UN mediation or bilateral efforts, and these should also be recognized and appreciated.
During the recent meeting in Beijing, India and China decided to pursue “positive directions” for cross-border cooperation and exchanges, marking the first interaction between their Special Representatives since tensions arose in the Western Sector of the India-China border in 2020.