China attaches great importance to US President Obama's upcoming visit in November, said a senior Chinese official when meeting with visiting US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg in Beijing Tuesday.

Dai Bingguo, a State Councillor, said China would work with the US side to ensure the success of this visit.

Dai said the two countries have enjoyed vigorous development momentum in bilateral relations and carried out close exchanges and cooperation since the new US government took office.

The two sides should work together to make continuous contribution for steady development of bilateral ties, said Dai.

US President Barak Obama is looking forward to his visit to China, and hopes the visit will further promote US-China relations, said Steinberg.

Steinberg, who arrived in China Monday, said Obama considered his meeting with Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao in New York last week had yielded good results, and given an impetus to bilateral ties.

He said Obama and the United States government attached great importance to US-China relations.

The United States hoped to continue consultation and cooperation with China about currently pressing international challenges and regional issues, in efforts to promote settlement of these issues, said Steinberg.

Strong US-China relations were very important not only to the two countries, but also to the world, Steinberg said.

During the meeting, Dai and Steinberg also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.

Steinberg also met with Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping Tuesday.

(Xinhua News Agency September 29, 2009)