Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan met Friday with Supachai Panitchpakdi, secretary-general of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell.

During his meeting with Cantwell, Wang said the relationship between China and the United States has improved from the time the Obama administration took office, and overall cooperation in such fields as trade and economics, energy and technology have developed smoothly.

Building a "positive, cooperative and comprehensive relationship for the 21st Century" was in line with the best interests of the people of both countries, he said.

Wang also expressed appreciation for the contribution Cantwell has made in developing Sino-U.S. relations and in cooperation with China on clean energy.

Cantwell said the United States was ready to cooperate with China on energy and the environment and develop relations with China in a healthy way.

During Wang's meeting with Supachai, views were exchanged on bilateral cooperation and the international financial situation.

(Xinhua News Agency September 4, 2009)