KNB News Desk
New Delhi 26 February (KNB): 75 minute long conversation took place between India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and the State Councillor and Foreign Minister of China, H.E. Mr. Wang Yi, during which they agreed to establish a hotline.
A statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, a copy of which lies with Kashmir News Bureau, said that the two Foreign Ministers discussed the situation along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh and also issues related to overall India-China relations.
“Noting the completion of disengagement in Pangong Lake area, EAM emphasized that both sides should now quickly resolve the remaining issues along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh,” the statement read, adding, “EAM said that once disengagement is completed at all friction points, then the two sides could also look at broader de-escalation of troops in the area and work towards restoration of peace and tranquility.”
As per the statement, State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, on his part, expressed satisfaction at the progress made so far.
Officials stated that he felt that both sides should make efforts to consolidate outcomes and spoke about the need to improve management and control in the border areas.
Furthermore, the statement read, “Foreign Minister Wang Yi also noted that the Indian side had proposed ‘three mutuals’ (mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interests) as the approach to the relationship.”
“He also agreed on the importance of taking the long view of our ties,” officials stated, adding that the two Ministers agreed to remain in touch and establish a hotline.
Pertinently, The Director Generals of Military Operations of India and Pakistan held discussions over the established mechanism of hotline contact yesterday.
Both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control (LoC) and all other sectors with effect from midnight 24/25 Feb 2021. (KNB)