Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Saturday appreciated the great importance that the Obama administration places on expanding Sino-U.S. relations.

Wen welcomed U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Beijing Saturday afternoon as she made her inaugural visit to China since becoming Secretary of State.

Both leaders cited several Chinese proverbs in their discussions of bilateral relations.

Noting that Clinton has repeatedly voiced a willingness to develop positive and cooperative relations with China, Wen said this fully reflects the high importance that the Obama administration puts on developing Sino-U.S. relations.

Wen stressed the need for China and the United States to cooperate on countering the impact of global financial turmoil.

"As the world is faced with the grim impact of the financial crisis, I very much appreciate a (Chinese) proverb you quoted that all countries should cross the river peacefully as they are in a common boat," Wen said. The proverb is from The Art of War by Sun Tzi, an ancient Chinese military strategist.

"Another saying in the the book goes as 'progress with hand in hand,'" Wen said.

Clinton echoed Wen's comment by saying China and the United States have an opportunity to work closely together in the future.

"I quoted another Chinese proverb that 'you should dig a well before you are thirsty,'" Clinton said, referring to the need that the two countries should work together to address global challenges, including climate changes.

(Xinhua News Agency February 21, 2009)