Chinese FM, Hillary Clinton talk on phone

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-01-24 07:46

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.

US President Barack Obama smiles along with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as she makes remarks at the State Department in Washington January 22, 2009. [Agencies]

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

Hillary Rodham Clinton is officially sworn in as the United States 67th Secretary of State by Judge Kathleen Oberly, Associate Judge, District of Columbia Court of Appeals (R) in Washington, January 21, 2009. [Agencies]

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

Yang said that 皇冠体育app-US relations are one of the most important bilateral relations in the world. In the new period of time, 皇冠体育app 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 皇冠体育app-US relations.

Clinton said that the United States and 皇冠体育app 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 皇冠体育app-US relations.