Liu said at a routine press conference that the dialogue helped improve mutual understanding, narrow differences and expand consensus between the two sides.

The two sides briefed each other on each country's human rights situation, and discussed issues of common concern such as judicial reform, religious freedom and exchanges on human rights, Liu said.

He said both sides agreed that the dialogue, which was held in a candid and friendly manner, was constructive and produced positive results. He added that they also agreed to continue the dialogue and exchanges on human rights, based on the principle of equality and mutual respect.

The dialogue was co-chaired by Li Baodong, director of the International Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, and Lorne W. Crane, assistant secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor of the US State Department. Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing met with the US delegation, he added.

During their stay in Beijing, the delegation members visited the United Front Work Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Ministry of Justice, State Administration of Religious Affairs, and China Youth Political College.

Liu said the delegation would also visit northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

(Xinhua News Agency December 18, 2002)