Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday reaffirmed the importance of developing China-U.S. relations, saying that a sound bilateral tie contributes to peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia Pacific region and the world.

"As permanent members of the UN Security Council, the largest developing country and the largest developed country, China and the United States face common tasks and shoulder important responsibilities ranging from promoting full recovery and sustainable growth of the world economy to managing regional hot-spots, meeting global challenges and safeguarding world peace and security," said Hu.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the second China-U.S. strategic and economic dialogue, he said the world is in the midst of major developments, changes and adjustments.

The trend toward a multi-polar world and economic globalization is gathering momentum, he said, adding global issues are becoming more pronounced, and regional and international hot-spot issues keep cropping up.

"To further advance mankind's noble cause of peace and development requires greater cooperation among people of all countries," the president added.

"China attaches great importance to its relations with the United States," he said, adding that to develop a long-term, sound and steady bilateral relationship meets the shared desire of the two peoples and contributes to peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia Pacific region and beyond.

Stressing common tasks, President Hu said it is natural the two countries may disagree on some issues due to different national conditions.

"What is important is to respect and accommodate each other's core interests and major concerns, appropriately handle the sensitive issues and strengthen the foundation of mutual trust," said Hu.

About 50 representatives from more than 40 departments of both countries participated in the dialogue opened Monday in Beijing.

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