Premier Li Keqiang on Monday met with former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, calling for more people to become involved in China-U.S. relations.

"More people from both sides can get involved in China-U.S. relations as participants, constructors and beneficiaries," Li said.

Li applauded the robust growth of China-U.S.relations over the past 40 years, adding that ties between the two nations cannot go further without support and participation from their two peoples.

China and the United States have highly extensive common interests, as well as unprecedented influence in world affairs, Li noted.

He said China is willing to work with the U.S. to develop an unprecedented type of relationship in order to allow both sides to benefit from bilateral cooperation and play their due roles in maintaining world peace.

Kissinger highlighted the vital importance of U.S.-China relations in promoting world peace and development, suggesting that both sides should work on long-term planning and strengthen communication to foster ties.

(Xinhua News Agency March 25, 2013)