US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson (left) is greeted by President Hu Jintao after the closing of the Sino-US strategic economic dialogue in Beijing's Great Hall of the People on Friday, December 15, 2006. (China Daily/Reuters Photo)

The strategic economic dialogue between China and the United States would offer a new opportunity for further cooperation, said Chinese President Hu Jintao on Friday.

"The dialogue not only helps improve Sino-U.S. economic and trade cooperation, but also has the positive impact on development of the regional and world economy," he said.

Hu met with the U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and other participants to the dialogue after it concluded Friday morning. The two-day dialogue was the first of its kind in Sino-U.S. relations.

Hu encouraged the two sides to make full use of this platform to enhance their constructive and cooperative relations.

On economic and trade relations, Hu said, Sino-U.S. economic and trade relationship had become closer and the cooperation expanded under the circumstances of intensified globalization.

Hu called on the two sides to maintain good momentum on economic and trade cooperation in the spirit of mutual benefit and common prosperity.

"Meanwhile, the two sides should handle the problems through frank dialogues and consultations," he added.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao also met with the U.S. guests Friday afternoon.

He said the Sino-U.S. economic cooperation is not only "mutually beneficial", but also "interconnected."

"Cooperation and complementarity are the mainstream in Sino-U.S. economic and trade relations, and differences and frictions are only tributary," he added

U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez (L) is greeted by Chinese President Hu Jintao after the closing of the Strategic Economic Dialogue in Beijing's Great Hall of the People December 15, 2006. (China Daily/Reuters Photo)

He said the problems should be solved in the progress of Sino-U.S. relations in the guidance of development, equality and reciprocity.

The dialogue focused on "China's development road and economic development strategy." Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi and Paulson co-chaired the dialogue as special representatives of President Hu Jintao and President George W. Bush.

Paulson said the dialogue was a "historical occasion", and he had a better understanding of China's stance.

He said he would tell the Americans that economic and trade cooperation with China is mutually-beneficial after he went back home. Meanwhile, he hoped the two sides could properly handle the concerns of each other.

The dialogue was held in accordance with the agreement by Hu and his U.S. counterpart George W. Bush.

The Chinese delegation included more than 10 ministers of finance, development and reform, science, labor, railway, communications, health, environment, and central bank. The U.S. delegation is the highest-profile trade mission the United States has ever sent to China, including cabinet secretaries of commerce, labor, energy and health and human services.

The second strategic economic dialogue will be held in Washington next May.

Source: Xinhua