Chinese, U.S. presidents meet in London on important issues

Source: Xinhua | 04-01-2009 21:43

Special Report:   Global Financial Crisis
Special Report:   G20 Summit in London

LONDON, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao and U.S. President Barack Obama met in London on Wednesday to discuss Sino-U.S. ties, the financial crisis and other major issues of common concern.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) meets with U.S. President Barack Obama in London, Britain, on April 1, 2009.  (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

"The relation between the United States and China has become extremely constructive," Obama told President Hu at the beginning of the meeting.

"China is a great power and has a long and extraordinary history," Obama said.

"Our economic relation is very strong," he added, hoping the conversation will be "productive" and "open."

"I said publicly our relation is not only important for citizens of the two countries, but also help set the stage for how the world build with a host of challenges."