Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) meets with visiting former U.S. President George Herbert Walker Bush at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Dec. 13, 2006. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

    BEIJING, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- The relationship between China and the United States is "the best ever in history", said visiting former U.S. President George Herbert Walker Bush Wednesday in a meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao.

    Bush said he was happy to see the sound cooperation in many areas between the two countries.

    Hu expressed appreciation for the contribution of Bush to improve Sino-U.S. relations.

    "The build-up and development of the constructive and cooperative relations have injected new dynamics to Sino-U.S. ties in the new century," said Hu.

    He added the two countries should view the relations from a long-term perspective and strategic height to cement the cooperation and properly handle the difference and concern of each other, so that the constructive and cooperative relations could be furthered in a stable and sound way.

    Calling both China and the United States important countries in the world, Hu said the two sides share the common ground on safeguarding world peace and stability, and promoting economic growth and prosperity of the two nations and the world.

    He hailed the close exchanges in the recent years between the leaders and on the different levels, saying the cooperation between the two countries on law enforcement, culture, education, science and education have continued to expand.

    Bush is here at the invitation of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.