US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi upon her arrival Tuesday morning. They pledged to promote the Sino-US ties.

Yang said the two sides are making endeavors to implement the consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, and he is delighted to have the chance to discuss with Rice on promoting Sino-US constructive relationship of cooperation and bilateral communication, coordination and cooperation on international issues.

He said he believes Rice's current visit will expand the bilateral relations.

"I look forward to our discussion on a range of issues, including bilateral issues, global issues, and issues on which we really must cooperate," Rice echoed with Yang as saying.

She also said US President George W. Bush "looks forward to return to Beijing this August for the Olympics".

Rice is in Beijing at the invitation of Yang Jiechi to make the two-day China visit. Besides Yang, Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and State councilor Tang Jiaxuan will also meet with Rice, respectively.

(Xinhua News Agency February 26, 2008)