Chinese premier meets former U.S., Japanese leaders

Source: Xinhua | 04-19-2009 08:31

BOAO, Hainan, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with former U.S. President George W. Bush and former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda here Saturday in south China's Hainan Province.

China's Premier Wen Jiabao (R) meets with former U.S. President George W. Bush, in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, April 18, 2009. Bush arrived here to attend the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2009 held from April 17 to 19. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Wen spoke highly of Bush's contribution to the development of Sino-U.S. constructive and cooperative ties. He hoped Bush would continue to play a positive role in promoting bilateral relations.

Wen said that since President Obama took office, Sino-U.S. tieshave got to a good start. The two nations have dedicated to building a positive, cooperative and comprehensive relationship inthe 21st century.

The spreading global financial crisis and the growing global challenges demand the two nations increase mutual trust, enhance coordination, jointly overcome the current difficulties and benefit the two countries and people of the world, said Wen.

"We hope the U.S. economy will take a favourable turn as soon as possible, which is conducive to the world economy," he added.

Bush said it is uplifting to see the Sino-U.S. ties improving. Both China and the United States are major nations in the world and should keep close communication and cooperation.

He said he would continue to contribute to the development of Sino-U.S. ties.