Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi met with former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger on Tuesday, pledging to promote healthy and stable development of China-U.S. trade ties.

Wu spoke highly of Kissinger's contribution to pushing forward China-U.S. relations over the years, expressing her hope that Kissinger would continue to make full play of his influence to cement bilateral ties.

The China-U.S. relations has experienced sound development, Wu said. Bilateral trade cooperation maintains rapid progress, which not only brings concrete benefits to the two peoples, but also contributes to the growth and prosperity of the world economy, she added.

"The Chinese side highly values China-U.S. relations, and is ready to promote healthy and stable development of bilateral trade ties," the vice premier said.

Regarding trade ties as an important component for overall bilateral relations, Kissinger said that positive and frank dialogues between the two countries would be helpful for both sides to seek common ground.

Since the 1970s, seven U.S. presidents were committed to facilitating U.S.-China relations, he said.

Kissinger is optimistic about the development of long-term U.S.-China friendly cooperative relations.

Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo also met with Kissinger on Monday.

The former U.S. secretary of state is here at the invitation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). He was invited to give lectures on a forum of science and culture hosted by CAS.

Source: Xinhua