China and India have expressed their concern over the recent turmoil in Pakistan and hoped that peace and stability will prevail in their neighbouring country.
At the dinner hosted by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday night, both leaders took note of the developments in Pakistan and agreed to strengthen their communication and consultation for peace and stability in the region.
Briefing reporters in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said Wen told Singh that China hoped to see a stable Pakistan, that enjoyed economic development, enhancement of the welfare of its people and 'democracy that it is pressing ahead with'.
"China viewed its relations with Pakistan from the perspective of peace and stability in the region and taking into consideration that Pakistan is an important neighbour," Qin said.
Singh told his Chinese counterpart that India attached great importance to its relations with Pakistan, Qin said, while noting that in recent years, New Delhi had taken measures to improve its relations with Islamabad and achieved positive results. "India will continue to do that," the Chinese spokesman said.
"The two leaders agreed to strengthen their consultation and communication for the peace and stability in the South Asia region so as to make joint efforts for the stability there".
During the restricted dinner with Singh, Wen also expressed shock over the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, Qin said.
Asked if the Dalai Lama issue was raised at the meeting, he said, "They have not talked too much on that issue".
"We have taken note of India's position on this issue -- that it is not going to let the Dalai Lama use the soil of India to engage in activities aimed at splitting China. We hope that India will continue to adhere to its commitment," he said.
