Hua Hin (Thailand), Oct 24 (IANS) Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao met for nearly an hour here Saturday and agreed to build “trust and understanding” in their bilateral relationship.
The two leaders had “good discussions” and “a productive meeting” at Hotel Dusit Thani, the venue of the Asean and East Asia summits, official sources said.

Wen said: “We want to have a healthy and steady relationship with India. I hope we can use this opportunity to exchange our views on all related issues.”

The much awaited meeting was aimed at easing tensions between the two countries centred on their unresolved border dispute. Official sources, however, said Arunachal Pradesh and Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama did not figure in the discussions.

The two countries also agreed to beef up their strategic and cooperative partnership.

Manmohan Singh told Wen: “I am excited to see you.” He said the Chinese people have had a number of achievements “and we share their sense of accomplishment”. He said this in the context of the 60th anniversary of the founding of modern China.

Manmohan Singh also recalled his meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao in Russia in June this year.

Earlier, the Chinese premier received Manmohan Singh like an old friend and spoke of the meetings they have had in the past.