The joining of hands by India and China and their pursuit of cooperation and common development carried a "significant meaning" for peace, stability and development in Asia and the world at large, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing has said.

"China and India joining hands... in their pursuit of common development to the benefit of both peoples who account for two-fifths of the world's population carries a significant meaning for peace, stability and development in Asia and the world at large," Li said while releasing a compilation of important bilateral documents as part of the '2006 India-China Friendship Year.'

He said: "Today, China and India are brimming with vigour and vitality. The two countries are presented with important opportunities for deepening their relations. China and India with similar national conditions and respective strengths, share extensive common interests and have a great potential for cooperation."

"I hope and wish that in the new century, India and China will continue to live in harmony and join hands in their cooperation to create an even better future for both countries and make positive contribution to peace, stability and development in Asia and the world," he said at a function held at the Diaoyutai State Guest House and attended by Indian Ambassador Nalin Surie and top Chinese scholars on India.

The volume of select bilateral documents released includes those where India and China jointly defined the Principles of Panchsheel.

Recalling the 'Hindi-Chini bhai-bhai' era, Li noted that the two countries fostered a friendly bond and co-invented the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence (Panchsheel).

"In modern times, China and India have shown understanding and support to each other in their struggle for national independence.

"Establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India in 1950 opened up a new chapter in Sino-India relations. Over the past 56 years, through the joint efforts of both sides, China-India relationship has continued to become more mature," he noted.

Surie, speaking on the occasion, congratulated the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs for bringing out the special volume of select bilateral documents as part of the activities commemorating 2006 as India-China Friendship Year.

"We see this publication as a first step and expect to build on it and later in the year publish a comprehensive compilation of all agreements that have been signed between

India and China since our independence," the Ambassador said.

"Over the last five years in particular, we have seen sustained growth and diversification of our relations. At the same time, as the two most populous developing countries which are neighbours and ancient civilisations which have had contact to mutual benefit, there is growing realisation that our common experiences are very important for furthering the processes of socio-economic development in our respective countries," he said.

"It will be our effort in this Friendship Year to further strengthen commonalities and enhance the momentum to develop and diversify our relations to mutual benefit," Surie said.

The Chinese Foreign Minister pointed out that India and China decided to establish a Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity last year that has ushered the bilateral relationship to a new stage.

Li noted that celebrating 2006 as the 'Year of India-China Friendship' gives expression to the common aspiration of the two governments and peoples to strengthen their friendship and expand cooperation.

During the year, a series of events will be held to carry forward their traditional friendship and expand their cooperation of mutual benefit.

Li said the publication of the 'Important documents on relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of India' is one of the major activities in this Friendship Year between the two countries.

"This book is a compilation of all the important documents that have been signed or issued between the two sides since their mutual diplomatic recognition. It encapsulates the evolution of their bilateral relationship, testifies to the good-neighbourly friendship between these two nations and is also the common treasure of both countries and deserves to be cherished," the Chinese foreign minister said.