China, India sign 24 deals after Li-Modi meeting

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (L) holds a welcoming ceremony for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, May 15, 2015。 [Xinhua]

During their talks, the two sides made positive comments on each other's assistance to the quake-relief work in Nepal and agreed to strengthen cooperation on disaster mitigation and relief in underdeveloped regions.

They also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern, including climate change, regional connectivity and terrorism.

After the talks, Li and Modi witnessed the signing of 24 agreements and MOUs aimed at boosting cooperation in areas including railways, aerospace, mineral exploitation, marine science and vocational education.

The countries have decided to set up consulates in China's Chengdu City and India's Chennai City.

An action plan on deepening cooperation in railway has been signed by China's National Railway Administration and India's Ministry of Railways.

The two neighbors agreed to strengthen cooperation in marine science and technology, climate change and polar science. In addition, a five-year outline for cooperation in aerospace has been completed by authorities from the two countries.

Other agreements include strengthening exchanges in media, think tanks, education and tourism.

Four pairs of sister cities, provinces and states have been unveiled, including China's Chongqing City and India's Chennai City.

On Friday afternoon, the two prime ministers attended a cultural activity featuring taiji and yoga, typical of the two countries, in the Temple of Heaven in downtown Beijing, where more than 400 practitioners performed. Taiji and yoga seem different, but they have the same objective of harmony between heaven, people and the heart, and embody cultural inheritance, Li said.

He added that the activity showed the two countries' common pursuit of a better life for the people and their resolution to promote stability and prosperity and to maintain lasting peace.

Modi said both yoga and taiji could help people make a balance between body, spirit and wisdom, while relaxing. Young people from the two countries conducting exchanges through the practise of yoga and taiji will promote their mutual understanding and better serve the development of bilateral ties.

The two prime ministers encouraged the performers to contribute to the exchange and spread of oriental traditional culture.

Later during their walk in the park, Li wished Modi's tour in Shanghai a success and Modi again invited Li to visit India as soon as possible.

Modi's three-day tour is his first China visit since he took office.