The Chinese government and people place high value on the forthcoming state visit by U.S. President Bill Clinton, said Chinese President Jiang Zemin in Beijing on April 30, adding that he is looking forward to meeting with his U.S. counterpart.

President Jiang made the remarks during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

"I am delighted to see continuing improvements in Sino-US relations in recent years. The common understanding President Clinton and I reached in Washington has turned into reality on a step by step basis," said Jiang.

He pointed out that increased contacts between high-ranking officials from the two countries have been accompanied by expanded economic and trade cooperation, as well as increased exchanges and cooperation in environment, science and education sectors. He also noted new progress in cultural, military and legal affairs.

Facts have demonstrated that so long as the Chinese and American leaders consider and handle Sino-US relations from a truly strategic stand and long-term point of view, they can master the times and historical trends and push the bilateral relationship to a new stage, Jiang said.

"President Clinton and I decided to engage in joint efforts to establish a constructive Sino-US strategic partnership for the 21st century. So doing complies not only with the fundamental interests of both countries, but will also benefit world peace, stability and prosperity," said Jiang.

China and the United States are actively preparing for President Clinton's scheduled visit and we sincerely hope the visit will be highly successful and further promote Sino-US relations, Jiang told Albright.