Chinese President Hu Jintao and U.S. President Barack Obama will meet on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit next week in Washington, said Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai on Wednesday.

"The two leaders will have an in-depth exchange of views on a wide range of issues," Cui told reporters.

Hu and Obama talked over the phone on April 2 on bilateral ties and issues of common concern and "reached a new consensus," Cui said.

He said China was willing to work with the U.S. to realize the consensus, keeping to the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques and Sino-U.S.joint statement, respecting each other's core interests and major concerns, and properly handling differences and sensitive issues.

China was ready to strengthen cooperation with the U.S. in various areas, said Cui.

Hu will attend the Nuclear Security Summit from April 12-13 in Washington.

According to Cui, Hu will deliver a speech at the summit, stressing the importance of nuclear security.

Hu will also clarify China's policy on nuclear security, and make a proposal for coping with international nuclear security challenges.

Up to now, leaders or representatives from 46 countries, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the European Union (EU), and other international organizations have confirmed their attendance.

"We hope common ground can be increased between all participants, and that they will pay greater attention to nuclear security, and work together to safeguard international peace and security," Cui said.

China also hoped the summit would push international cooperation to ensure safety of nuclear materials and facilities, as well as the peaceful use of nuclear energy, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency April 8, 2010)