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China, US leaders highlight common interests
By Xing Zhigang (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-11-21 05:43
President Hu Jintao and his US counterpart George W. Bush yesterday
highlighted common interests and areas for co-operation to keep Sino-US
relations on track.
As a sign of his positive attitude towards bilateral ties, Bush praised China
for hosting the Six-Party Talks on denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula,
co-operation in the war on terror as well as its role in controlling bird flu.
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President Hu (R) and President Bush shaks
hands at a press conference November 20, 2005.
[newsphoto]
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While acknowledging differences between their countries, the two leaders
pledged to address each other's concerns through mutual respect and
consultation.
"We both believe sustainable, healthy and stable development of Sino-US ties
conforms to ... the common aspiration of our two peoples," Hu said following a
two-hour meeting with Bush in the Great Hall of the People.
Bush described bilateral ties as "very important," saying both nations share
many common opportunities and challenges in the 21st century.
He expressed his hope to "continue our dialogue on how to make our relations
as open and constructive for people in both our countries."
Bush flew in from the Republic of Korea on Saturday for his third visit to
China since taking office in 2001.
Following their talks, which the two leaders called "constructive, friendly
and candid," Hu told a joint news conference that the two countries agreed to
shoulder their common responsibility and strengthen co-operation on a wide range
of international and regional issues.
They include UN reforms, development issues, the war on terror, proliferation
of weapons of mass destruction, potential international and regional
flashpoints, natural disasters and the spread of such contagious epidemics as
bird flu.
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