Chinese president, Obama discuss relations, int´l issues on phone

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-09-2008 09:06

President Hu Jintao says China is willing to maintain high-level exchanges and expand cooperation with the US. The Chinese president conveyed that message in a telephone conversation on Saturday with U.S. president-elect Barack Obama.

In his conversation with the US president-elect, President Hu Jintao expressed appreciation to Barack Obama for emphasizing the great importance of China-U.S. relations in his election campaign speeches.

Hu pointed out that since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries 30 years ago, bilateral relations have continued to develop despite setbacks, scoring hard-earned achievements and bringing about tangible interests to both nations.

He noted that the two countries share extensive common interests on issues related to world peace and development, and both assume important responsibility in this regard.

The Chinese president said in this new chapter of history, China is willing to maintain high-level exchanges with the United States and contact at all levels.

He said the country is also willing to continue strategic dialogue with the US, expand cooperation and strengthen the exchange of opinion and coordination on major international and regional issues.

Obama noted that in today's international arena, U.S.-China relations are of vital importance. The development of bilateral ties is not only in the interest of both nations, but it also benefits the world.