NEW DELHI, May 31 (IANS) - China "understands" and "supports" India's desire for a permanent seat in a reformed United Nations Security Council, President Pratibha Patil said Monday as she returned from her state visit to that country.
"I focused attention on India's aspiration for permanent seat in a reformed United Nations Security Council. President Hu (Jintao) and Premier Wen (Jiabao) were understanding and supportive for India's desire," Patil said in a statement made on board her special aircraft.
Her special aircraft landed in Delhi about 4.30 p.m after her six-day trip that took her to Beijing, Luoyang and Shanghai.
She said President Hu also reiterated support for India's candidature for a non-permanent seat in the UNSC for 2011-2012.
"My interaction with the Chinese leadership was warm, friendly and cordial. Our discussions were constructive, wide-ranging and fruitful. We agreed to expand, deepen and diversify the strategic and cooperative partnership between our countries," added Patil.
Both sides also pointed out that relations between the two Asian powers were of global import. "We acknowledged that the India-China relationship has gone beyond its purely bilateral aspect and also has a global dimension," she said.
