China would do nothing to harm India's interests: Li

President Pranab Mukherjee expressed happiness over the fact that India is the first country Li is visiting after assuming office

Visiting Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang today called on President Pranab Mukherjee and said that China views India as an important bilateral partner and it would do nothing to harm New Delhi's interests.

"China sees India as a strategic partner and believes there is great potential for improved bilateral relations. It would do nothing to harm India's interests," according to a Rashtrapati Bhavan spokesperson.

Mukherjee expressed happiness over the fact that India is the first country Li is visiting after assuming office and said it reflected the importance attached to India-China relations by the Premier.

According to the President, the trans-border rivers should unite rather than divide the two people, the spokesperson said.

Terming India-China relationship as one of the most important in 21st century, Mukherjee said, "Our vision for India-China relations is of a truly good neighbourly relationship that is based on a high degree of trust and understanding with a strong intersection of common interests."

He emphasised that the two countries should be sensitive to each other's concerns and there is need to build trust as well as expand shared interests.

As the President bid farewell to the visiting Premier, he presented him books on Mahatma Gandhi and Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Li, while receiving these, told Mukherjee that he would also present him with books whenever he came to Beijing.