Beijing: The new Chinese leadership on Friday rolled out the red carpet to Congress President Sonia Gandhi, as Beijing voiced its readiness to take Sino-Indian relations to a strategic level that could change Asia and the world in a "profound way." President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao during their separate high-profile meetings with Gandhi spoke about how China will make efforts to boost common development. Hu said China-India relations have developed in depth and enjoyed good momentum in recent years, noting that long-term friendship, cooperation with mutual benefits and common development between the two nations will change Asia and the world "in a profound way".

Hu, also General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), said the CPC and Chinese government always handle the bilateral relations at a strategic level and in a global perspective and would like to join hands with the Indian side to enhance the ties.

In a rare honour, 60-year-old Gandhi, who is accompanied by her son Rahul Gandhi among others, became the first foreign political leader to be received by the new Chinese leadership which emerged at the recently concluded CPC National Congress on October 22.

"You are the first foreign political leader to visit China after the conclusion of the 17th National Congress, which is an indication both of us have attached to our relations," Hu told Gandhi at their meeting at the ornate Great Hall of the People on Friday evening.

Wen told Gandhi that "China expects to see a prosperous India and will make efforts to boost mutual trust, cooperation and promote common development." Gandhi said India is willing to make joint efforts with China to strengthen friendly relations and promote bilateral exchanges. (PTI)