Former Secretary of State of the US Madeleine Korbel Albright said in Beijing on Thursday the US and China should become strategic partners.

Albright said in a meeting with China's top legislator Wu Bangguo that the two countries have reasons to become and should become strategic partners, which she believes is in the interests of both sides and conducive to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, told Albright that China is ready to work together with the US to take a strategic and long-term perspective towards China-US relations, strengthen dialogue, mutual trust and cooperation, continuously expand consensus, and promote the development of the constructive and cooperative ties between the two countries.

Wu said the strategic content of China-US relations has been richer and common interests are expanding.

Albright told Wu that the US-China relationship is most important to the 21st century international relations, adding she will continue to use her influence to promote the development of the relationship.

Albright started her six-day visit to China on Monday at the invitation of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs.

Albright will also meet with leaders of China's Supreme People's Court, Foreign Ministry and Ministry of Commerce.

(Xinhua News Agency August 24, 2007)