Chinese President Hu Jintao met with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Saturday, stressing that it is of ever greater importance to further deepen and develop Sino-U.S. relations.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) meets with visiting U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (L) in Beijing, China, Feb. 21, 2009. [Xinhua/Yao Dawei]

Hu appreciated Clinton for her inaugural visit to China and other parts of Asia since taking office, saying this reflects the importance the new U.S. administration puts on developing relations with China and other Asian countries.

Hu also extended invitation to President Obama to visit China at his earliest convenience.

"I am looking forward to exchanging views with him on bilateral ties and issues of common concern," Hu said, adding that he also expects to meet Obama in London in early April.

Clinton said she has "very good meetings" with Chinese officials during her visit. She said the U.S. and China have agreed in principle to start a strategic and economic dialogue between the two sides, and President Obama and President Hu are expected to formally announce the plan in London.

Hu said China and the United States, both as major influential countries in the world, share broad common interests and bear significant responsibilities on major issues concerning peace and development of the world.

The Sino-U.S. relations is one of the most important bilateral relations in the world in the 21st century, said Hu, stressing that it is of ever greater importance than any time in the past to further deepen and develop Sino-U.S. relations against the backdrop that the international financial crisis continue to spread and various global challenges become increasingly prominent.

China has always treated the Sino-U.S. relations from a strategic height and a long-term perspective and is ready to strengthen consultation and coordination with the United States on major international and regional issues, Hu said.

He said China will work with the United States to jointly withstand the impact of international financial crisis, effectively address global climate change and push forward the healthy and smooth development of bilateral relationship.

Hu also said that China is willing to increase exchanges and cooperation with the United States in such fields as economy, trade, anti-terrorism, law enforcement, science and education, culture, public health, energy and environmental protection.

Clinton said the Sino-U.S. relationship has entered a new era of positive cooperation since the two sides share broad common interests on a host of fields and global issues. She said the United States is willing to further enhance cooperation with China in various fields.

（Xinhua News Agency February 22, 2009）