Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and new US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton held a telephone conversation Friday on relations between their two countries and major international issues of common concern.

In the phone call, Yang expressed appreciation to Clinton for attaching great importance to China-US relations and her willingness to establish positive relations of cooperation with China, and once again, on behalf of the Chinese government, extended congratulations for the inauguration of new President Barack Obama and his administration.

Clinton said the United States expects to strengthen cooperation and consultation with China on bilateral and international issues, and make efforts with China to promote the development and progress of both the United States and China as well as the whole world.

Yang said that China-US relations are one of the most important bilateral relations in the world. In the new period of time, China is willing to work with the United States to constantly view and handle bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, firmly stick to the general direction of constructive relations of cooperation, maintain high-level contacts, keep strengthening dialogue, exchange and cooperation, respect and cater to each other's core interests, properly handle differences and sensitive issues, and promote further development of China-US relations.

Clinton said that the United States and China should continue to maintain high-level contacts, strengthen strategic dialogue and cooperation in all fields, and jointly respond to the global financial crisis and other challenges.

In the phone call, the two sides agreed to strengthen communication and promote development of China-US relations.

(Xinhua News Agency January 24, 2009)