China and the United States shoulder important responsibilities on a host of major issues concerning peace and development of mankind, Chinese President Hu Jintao said Monday in a message to the opening session of China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue.

As two countries with significant influence in the world, China and the United States also enjoy extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation, Hu said.

China and the United States, in the face of the complex and changing international economic and political situation, should endeavor to expand common ground, reduce differences, enhance mutual trust and strengthen cooperation through the Strategic and Economic Dialogue, he said.

"This serves the common interests of the two sides and will help advance the positive, cooperative and comprehensive relationship between our two countries," said the Chinese leader.

"It is also of great importance for peace, stability, development and prosperity of the whole world," he added.

(Xinhua News Agency July 28, 2009)