Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi had a telephone conversation here Thursday with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to discuss bilateral ties and major issues of common concern.

Both top diplomats agreed to maintain high-level dialogue between the two countries and continue to push forward the Sino-U.S. relations and cooperation in all areas.

The two sides also exchanged views on other issues of common concern.

Yang is accompanying Chinese President Hu Jintao on a five-day state visit to Japan.

(Xinhua News Agency May 8, 2008)