US President George W. Bush said on Wednesday that Sino-US co-operation is of vital importance to the two countries and the world, according to officials from the Chinese Embassy.

He said the United States is willing to work with China to raise the bilateral relationship to a new level.

Bush made the remarks during a meeting with former Chinese Vice-Premier Qian Qichen, who came to the United States to take part in the Sino-US conference held at Texas A&M University on November 5 to 8.

The US president said his administration has attached great importance to the Sino-US relationship, and he is glad to see progress made in the years he has been in office.

Qian said that a good relationship between China and the United States is in the interest of the two peoples and the world.

Both China and the United States share extensive interests and have broad room for co-operation, he said, adding that the constructive relationship of collaboration between the two countries will be pushed forward through increased dialogue and exchanges, and the expansion of working together in various fields.