Chinese President Hu Jintao accepted an invitation for him to visit the United States during talks with visiting US President George W. Bush Sunday in Beijing.

Hu said he is willing to further exchange ideas with Bush on bilateral ties and the enhancement of cooperation on international and Asia-Pacific affairs.

Hu recalled his previous meeting with Bush in New York in September as a "very good one".

Bush thanked Hu for their "candid" and "frank" exchanges of ideas. He said China is an exciting country and an important one.

His current visit, he said, is an opportunity to further push forward bilateral relations, which are crucial to both countries.

Bush extended an invitation for Hu to visit his country so as to continue to explore, through dialog, ways for the two peoples to maintain open and constructive relations.

Hu accepted with pleasure, saying that he is ready to pay a visit to the United States early next year.

Prior to their formal talks, Hu and Bush held in-depth discussions at a closed-door meeting.

Bush arrived in Beijing on Saturday for a three-day visit as Hu's guest.

Source: Xinhua