Chinese President Hu Jintao and his U.S. counterpart, Barack Obama, met in Washington on Monday to discuss bilateral relations, the Iranian nuclear issue and other matters of common concern.

The two presidents exchanged views on bilateral relations and major global and regional issues of common interests, and reached important agreement, Ma Zhaoxu, spokesman of the Chinese delegation, said.

Both sides believed that a good China-U.S. relationship serves the common interests of the two countries and contributes to world peace, stability and prosperity, Ma said.

During the meeting, Hu said China and the United States should properly solve their economic and trade rifts through consultations on an equal footing and jointly uphold the larger interests of China-U.S. economic cooperation and trade.

He also said the sound and stable development of China-U.S. economic and trade ties is good for China, for the United States and for the world economic development.

On the Iranian nuclear issue, Hu said China hopes various parties will continue to step up diplomatic efforts and actively seek effective ways to resolve it through dialogue and negotiations.

China and the United States have the same overall goal on the Iranian nuclear issue, he said.

China stands ready to maintain consultation and coordination with the United States and other parties within the 5-plus-1 mechanism, and in the United Nations and through other channels, he added.

The 5-plus-1 mechanism involves the permanent UN Security Council members -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- plus Germany.

Hu also stated China's principled position on the Iranian nuclear issue, saying China is always committed to upholding the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and peace and stability in the Middle East.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit, which mainly discusses prevention of acts of nuclear terrorism.

Since the Obama administration took office, China-U.S. relations have witnessed positive development thanks to joint efforts.

In November 2009, Obama paid a state visit to China, during which Hu and Obama held in-depth, productive and candid discussions on bilateral relations and other issues of common interest. The two sides reached agreement on advancing U.S.-China relations in the new era.

China stands ready to maintain consultation and coordination with the United States and other parties within the 5-plus-1 mechanism, and in the United Nations and through other channels, he added.

The 5-plus-1 mechanism involves the permanent UN Security Council members -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- plus Germany.

Hu also stated China's principled position on the Iranian nuclear issue, saying China is always committed to upholding the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and peace and stability in the Middle East.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit, which mainly discusses prevention of acts of nuclear terrorism.

Since the Obama administration took office, China-U.S. relations have witnessed positive development thanks to joint efforts.

In November 2009, Obama paid a state visit to China, during which Hu and Obama held in-depth, productive and candid discussions on bilateral relations and other issues of common interest. The two sides reached agreement on advancing U.S.-China relations in the new era.