U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's China tour was conducive to the healthy and stable development of Sino-U.S. ties, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said Tuesday.

Ma made the remarks in response to comments on Clinton's visit from Feb. 20 to 22.

"During Clinton's visit, both China and the United States expressed great concern over bilateral relations and sincere aspirations to develop ties," Ma told a regular press conference.

Both sides agreed to maintain close communication and strengthen coordination and cooperation in all fields, he said.

"Through Clinton's visit, China and the United States deepened mutual understanding and expanded their consensus, which is conducive to pushing ties along the track of healthy and stable development," said Ma.

During her visit, Clinton met with President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao, and State Councilor Dai Bingguo, and held talks with Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi. They exchanged views on bilateral relations and other issues of common concern.

(Xinhua News Agency February 24, 2009)