Wen hopeful of reaching ’strategic consensus’

NEW DELHI - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Thursday pitched for taking friendship between India and China to a higher level and hoped that his visit would lead to “strategic consensus” over important issues.

“With our joint efforts, we will be able to take out friendship and cooperation to a higher level in the 21st century,” the Chinese premier told reporters here at Rashtrapati Bhavan where he was accorded a ceremonial reception. He was warmly received by President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

“In our talks, we will be able to reach strategic consensus,” Wen said amid Indias concerns over a host of issues, including stapled visas for residents of Jammu and Kashmir.

The visit will yield important outcomes, he said with Manmohan Singh standing next to him. He expressed confidence that his three-day visit that began Wednesday would expand ties between the two countries.

Wen arrived in India for a three-day visit Wednesday afternoon. During formal delegation level talks Thursday, the two sides are likely to set a new $60 billion-plus target for bilateral trade this year. They are also expected to announce the decision to activate a hotline between the leaders of the two countries.