Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang said Tuesday that he hoped China and the United States would strengthen dialogue on policies and seek a more effective cooperative mechanism to promote clean energy development.

Li expressed the hope in a meeting with US Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, Trade Representative Ron Kirk, and Leocadio Zak, Acting Director of the US Trade and Development Agency at Beijing's Great Hall of the People.

"China and the US experience different development situations, but they face same challenges in climate change, energy and environment safety, and sustainable development," said Li.

He said China was willing to cooperate with the US to promote bilateral trade and economic development through the cooperation in energy field, and take practical actions to establish a partnership relationship with the US to cope with challenges.

"Developing clean energy is a big reform to enlarge utilization of energy, and a move to improve and adjust economy structure. The effort needs both technology support and international cooperation," Li said.

He expected the two nations to enhance cooperation in clean energy industry for sustainable global development.

The US side said the United States and China have a great potential to strengthen cooperation in energy field, particularly in clean energy development, adding the practical cooperation is of great importance and accords with common aspiration of people of the two countries and of the world.

State Councilor Liu Yandong also met with Gary Locke and Secretary of Energy Steven Chu. The two sides exchanged views on clean energy development and cultural and academic exchanges.

Both Li and Liu attended the Sino-US clean energy cooperation signing ceremony after the meetings. On the ceremony, the two nations signed memorandum of understandings aiming to promote cooperation in clean energy development.

(Xinhua News Agency November 18, 2009)