Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, who is with Premier Wen Jiabao on his official visit to Ethiopia, on Sunday night talked about China-US ties by phone with his US counterpart Colin Powell.  

During the talks, Powell congratulated Li on Wen's successful visit to the United States and conveyed to Wen the greetings of US President George W. Bush and himself. Powell said the United States is willing to make great efforts to promote China-US ties with the Chinese side.

Li thanked the US government and Powell for their efforts in Wen's visit to the United States and conveyed Wen's thanks and greetings to President Bush.

The foreign minister expressed hope for the fulfillment of the agreements reached between leaders of the two countries and the further development of China-US constructive relations of cooperation.

The two sides also exchanged views on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula. Powell said the United States hopes to maintain consultations with China on the peaceful settlement of the nuclear issue and jointly promote the six-party talks in Beijing.

Li briefed Powell on China's stand on the issue and expressed hope for the US side to take a more flexible and practical attitude in preparation for the next round of six-party talks.

Powell briefed Li on the newest development in Iraq. Li said he hopes that the development could be conducive to an early transfer of power to Iraqis, the reconstruction of Iraq and the peace and stability in the region.

On Sunday, US forces in Iraq announced the arrest of ousted Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

(Xinhua News Agency December 15, 2003)