Xi called for mutual understanding and friendship between youths of the two countries. He said the two countries should enhance cooperation in culture and education to cultivate talent for the development of both nations and for China-U.S. cooperation.

Xi also held cordial talks with representatives of overseas Chinese and Chinese students in America, encouraging them to actively serve as a bridge in advancing China-U.S. friendly exchanges and cooperation.

Xi's U.S. trip has been a major boost to China-U.S. cooperation at local level.

The state of Iowa regarded Xi's visit as a major event in years and an important opportunity to further cooperation with China.

In Los Angeles, Xi and Biden met the governors from seven Chinese provinces, five U.S. states and one U.S. territory.

The governors held heated and fruitful discussions on cooperation in a wide range of areas including economics and trade, culture, tourism, and education.

Xi spoke highly of the important contributions of China-U.S. communication at the local level to advancing bilateral ties. He encouraged both sides to give full play to each other's advantages to promote local-level exchanges and cooperation.

Fourth, Xi's U.S. tour enhanced communication between the two countries on international and regional affairs.

During the visit, Xi told the U.S. side that China acts in accordance with the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter and the basic norms governing international relations. It pursues an independent foreign policy of peace and devotes itself to safeguarding world peace and promoting common development.

Xi also had a comprehensive exchange of views with the U.S. side on international political, economic and security situations.

The two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation on global issues such as climate change, counter-terrorism, cyber security, outer space security, energy and resources, public health, food security and disaster prevention and relief.

They also exchanged views on hotspot issues such as the situation on the Korean Peninsula, the Iranian nuclear issue and Syria.

Xi pointed out that in face of increasing global and regional challenges, China and the United States should strengthen coordination and cooperation, meet the challenges together, and jointly play a constructive and responsible role in safeguarding and promoting world peace, stability and prosperity.

The two sides should conduct positive interactions in the Asia-Pacific, Xi said.

"At the same time, we hope the United States will respect the interests and concerns of China and other countries in this region," Xi said.

The U.S. side agreed with Xi, saying that U.S.-China cooperation constitutes an integral part of solving global challenges and has great influence on the development of the world in the 21st century.

The United States is ready to work with China to promote communication, strengthen mutual trust and further boost the development of their cooperative partnership.

Xi's visit has promoted exchanges and cooperation between the two countries and the two peoples in a comprehensive fashion, and has served as a powerful boost to the construction of China-U.S. cooperative partnership in a new era, said Yang.

The Chinese foreign minister said China and the United States should double their efforts in implementing important consensus reached by Hu and Obama last year in an earnest manner and in pushing forward bilateral ties so as to benefit both peoples and the whole world.

(Xinhua News Agency February 20, 2012)