Xi to pay first state visit to US(2)

STRENGTHENING PRACTICAL COOPERATION

Reiterating that China's success serves US interests, Obama said US-China ties have made historic progress in 2014.

The United States, Obama said, is willing to work with China to maintain the momentum, strengthening practical cooperation in economy and trade, jointly addressing regional and global challenges, and managing their differences.

He also expressed the hope that the two countries will enhance communication and cooperation on climate change so as to secure positive outcome at a major UN climate summit in Paris in December.

Appreciating China's contribution to helping African countries fight Ebola, Obama said he hopes to join hands with China in promoting global health security.

Stressing that Washington attaches great importance to the economic development of the two countries and the world, Obama said the US side is ready to increase coordination with China and accommodate each other's concerns.

The United States, he added, is willing to work with China to reach a high-standard bilateral investment treaty and to expand global demand.

Meanwhile, the two leaders exchanged views on regional and international issues such as the 70th anniversary of the victory against Fascism, cyber security, the Iranian nuclear issue and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

They promised to increase coordination and cooperation in order to help solve issues concerning global security and stability.

During the conversation, the two sides agreed to make full preparations to ensure the success of Xi's visit.

FREQUENT MEETINGS CENTERING ON NEW TYPE OF RELATIONSHIP

In the past two years, the two presidents have met on several occasions, with high attention paid to the new type of major-country relationship.

In November 2014, Xi held talks with Obama, who was paying a state visit to China after attending an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Beijing.

Before the state visit, they met in June 2013 for an informal summit at the Annenberg Retreat, California, where they agreed on building a new type of major-country relationship.

They reaffirmed their commitment in St. Petersburg, Russia, in bilateral talks on the sidelines of a Group of 20 summit in September 2013.

And again in March 2014, on the sidelines of a Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague, the Netherlands, the two leaders agreed to maintain close contact and jointly push for the new type of major-country relationship.