China and Bhutan held from Jan. 11 to 13 their 19th border talks in the Bhutan capital Thimphu. Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Hu Zhengyue held talks with head of Bhutan delegation, Minister of Economic Affairs Khandu Wangchuk in a friendly and frank atmosphere.

Hu also met with the 4th King of Bhutan Jigme Singye Wangchuk and Prime Minister Jigme Thinley during his stay in Bhutan.

Hu delivered the new year greetings from Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao. He said China highly cherishes its traditional friendship with Bhutan, and is willing to push forward relationship of good neighborliness with Bhutan in a continuous, stable and healthy way on the basis of Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence.

Hu said China hopes the two sides continue friendly consultations on the basis of the past talks, and look for a just and reasonable solution to the border problem acceptable to both sides, in order to turn Sino-Bhutan border into a bridge of friendship.

Bhutan leaders said Bhutan highly evaluates the tremendous achievements China has made in its development, and said Bhutan pays great importance to its relationship with China and is dedicated to solving the border problem with China as soon as possible. Bhutan government is firmly committed to the policy of "One China" and is willing to work with China to push forward exchanges and cooperation in all fields.