BEIJING, Nov. 20 (Xinhuanet) -- China and the United States have "extensive" common interests and the two countries should seek more common ground and expand cooperation, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said here Sunday.

    China-US relations are significant globally as China is the biggest developing country while the United States is the biggest developed nation, said Wen during his meeting with visiting US President George W. Bush at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing.

    "Developing healthy bilateral relations is not only in the fundamental interests of the two peoples, but also conducive to the world as a whole, " Wen said.

    China and the United States have, in general, kept a good relationship over the past three decades despite some twists and turns, Wen added.

    To ensure a healthy development of bilateral relations, China and the United States should increase consensus, properly handle disputes, minimize controversies and avoid confrontation by taking a strategic and long-term vision, the premier said, stressing that the key lies in the leadership.

    "We should respect each other and keep consultations on an equal footing," Wen said.

    Bush echoed Wen's views, and said that his visit offers an opportunity for the two sides to continue developing the important bilateral ties.

    Noting that the United States and China have "common interests," the US president said though the two countries "don't agree on everything," they "do agree" on one thing, that is, to discuss the common points and differences in "a cordial manner." Enditem