Beijing, March 16 (IANS) China Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to develop good-neighbourly relations with India, but added that 'the border issue remains unsettled between the two countries'.

'We would like to work with India to make a stronger relationship, becoming good neighbours, good friends and good partners forever,' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said Tuesday.

Qin made the comments as Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao visited the US.

He said it was in the fundamental interests of both the countries and the world to beef up good-neighbour friendship and cooperation between China and India, Xinhua news agency reported.

Qin underlined the Chinese government's efforts to boost ties with India.

'Undoubtedly, the border issue remains unsettled between the two countries,' Qin said and called for a settlement through equal and friendly negotiations.

Qin appealed for joint efforts to ensure peace and stability along the border before finding a final solution to the issue.

'With the China-India relationship progressing steadily, we believe the border issue will be properly settled.'