BEIJING, April 1 (Xinhuanet) -- Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Wu Dawei said here Friday that Sino-Indian border issue does not hinder the overall development of Sino-Indian friendship and cooperation.

    At a news briefing about Premier Wen Jiabao's imminent official visit to Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India, scheduled to start April 5, Wu said Sino-Indian border issue is "an issue of leftover from history."

    Wu said both sides have a special representative consultation mechanism to work out a political guiding principle, and four meetings were already held. Currently, a joint working group and an experts panel are in operation and the mechanisms are "sound."

    The fifth meeting is expected to be held during Wen's visit to India and both sides may reach consensus during the meeting, taking into consideration the current situation, said Wu.

    He said settling the border issue thoroughly requires time and the guidance of a political principle acceptable to both governments.

    The Sino-Indian border has been tranquil since 1993 and called it a "great thing, "he said. Sino-Indian relationships have improved and developed overall. He mentioned the first-ever strategic dialogue held in New Delhi in January this year during which both sides exchanged views candidly.

    He said the development of bilateral friendship, strategic cooperation, the strengthening of bilateral coordination and cooperation in international affairs will be discussed in the strategic dialogue.

    He also disclosed that a joint statement, now under discussion, may be released to summarize the outcome of Premier Wen's India visit as both sides will have an in-depth exchange of views during the visit on furthering bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

    Tibet issue

    Wu Dawei on Friday reminded India that it has recognized that Tibet Autonomous Region is a part of China and promised to not allow Dalai Lama to conduct Anti-China activities within Indian borders.

    At the press briefing, Wu said China appreciates and values India's stance on the Tibet issue.

    "We believe India will continue to be prudent in dealing with the issue," said Wu.

    The vice foreign minister said the Tibet question is a major issue that involves China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.He also described Dalai Lama as "a political exile who undertakes secessionist activities abroad" instead of only spiritual leader. Enditem