Premier Li says talks with Modi 'meet expectations'

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang holds talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing on Friday. [Photo by Zhao Yinan/chinadaily.com.cn]

 BEIJING -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday said that his talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have met expectation.

"We just had in-depth talks and touched a wide range of topics, which we both expected to yield common ground and results. It is fair to say that we met the expectations," Li said after the small-scale talks with Modi at the Great Hall of the People.

The two prime ministers witnessed the signing of 24 agreements related to a wide range of fields, including railways, mining and regional cooperation after the talks.

Modi said he was honored that Chinese President gave him a warm welcome in Xi'an, capital city of Shaanxi Province and Xi's hometown, on Thursday afternoon.

This is the first time Xi has treated a foreign leader in his hometown.

"President Xi's welcome also touched the hearts of 1.25 billion Indian people," Modi said.

"I discussed many issues with Premier Li, which will take our relations towards a positive direction. Our cooperation not only benefit the two countries, but also send a positive signal to the world," Modi said.

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