NEW DELHI -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met Friday with Sonia Gandhi, head of the Indian National Congress Party, and Manmohan Singh, former Indian prime minister, to discuss relations between China and India during his state visit to the southern neighbor.

Calling Sonia Gandhi and Singh old friends of the Chinese people, Xi expressed appreciation for their contribution to the China-India relations, saying the strategic and cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity between the two countries was built under their care and support, which has brought tangible benefits to the two peoples and has made positive contribution to regional and global peace and development.

The president stressed that as both countries are dedicated to realizing national rejuvenation and need stable and a friendly surrounding environment, they should join hands with firm belief to create their future together.

Noting that the Communist Party of China has maintained a long-term friendly relationship with the Indian National Congress Party, Xi suggested the two parties continue strengthening communication on and exchange of experience in party governance, administration and organization development.

Sonia Gandhi congratulated Xi on his successful visit to India, saying developing India-China relations is a consensus among Indian political parties, as they are well aware of the importance of the India-China relations.

She also pledged the National Congress Party's cooperation with the Chinese side in enhancing party-to-party exchange and promoting the development of bilateral ties.

Singh, for his part, underscored the growing importance and potential of the India-China relations in today's world, saying he is willing to work with other parties in dedicating themselves to enhancing friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

India is the last stop of Xi's four-nation tour in Central and South Asia, which has already taken him to Tajikistan, the Maldives and Sri Lanka. In Tajikistan, he also attended a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.