Jaishankar discusses border issues with Chinese FM Wang Yi in Bali

Bali (Indonesia), July 7: External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Bali with a focus on “specific outstanding issues”. The talks took place on the sidelines of a meeting of the foreign ministers of G20 countries.

 

 

The "specific outstanding issues" included the India-China border standoff, Indian students and flights in the discussion that lasted for an hour in Bali.

 

Speaking on the discussion, Jaishankar tweeted, "Began my day in Bali by meeting FM Wang Yi of China. Discussion lasted one hour. Focused on specific outstanding issues in our bilateral relationship pertaining to the border situation. Also spoke about other matters including students and flights."

 

 

 

Further, the Minister also tweeted, "Shared perspectives on the international situation and its impact on the G20 deliberations."

 

The Ministry of External Affairs, in a press release, stated, "EAM called for an early resolution of all the outstanding issues along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh. Recalling the disengagement achieved in some friction areas, EAM reiterated the need to sustain the momentum to complete disengagement from all the remaining areas to restore peace and tranquility in the border areas."

 

Jaishankar reaffirmed the importance of fully abiding by bilateral agreements and protocols, and the understandings reached between the two Ministers during their previous conversations, the statement read.

 

 

"In this regard, both Ministers affirmed that the military and diplomatic officials of the two sides should continue maintaining regular contact and looked forward to the next round of Senior Commanders’ meeting at an early date. EAM reiterated that the India-China relationship is best served by observing the three mutuals – mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interests," it added.

 

Jaishankar also recalled his meeting Wang Yi in Delhi in March this year and reviewed the progress of some key issues discussed then, including the return of students. EAM stressed the need for expediting the process and facilitating the return of students on an early date.

 

 

Both of them also exchanged perspectives on other regional and global developments. Wang Yi appreciated India’s support during China’s BRICS Chairship this year and assured China’s support for India’s upcoming G20 and SCO Presidency. They agreed to remain in touch.

 

Jaishankar is expected to hold several bilateral meetings with counterparts from other countries on the margins of the G20 foreign ministers’ meet in Bali.