Young people are a driving force in promoting ties between the United States and China, said a statement issued Thursday by the Organization Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

Youth and non-governmental exchanges played a "positive role" in developing Sino-U.S. relations, Li Yuanchao, head of the department, said in the release.

The release came one day after Li's meeting with a delegation from American Council of Young Political Leaders.

Li opened the meeting by recalling his fond memories of a visit to the United States 22 years ago at the invitation of the Council.

The meeting ended with a 30-minute question-and-answer period, during which, Li, also member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, took questions from the delegates on his career and bilateral issues.

China hoped all social sectors of the two countries could contribute to the construction of a "positive, cooperative and comprehensive relationship for the 21st Century", as agreed by presidents of the two countries in April, he said.

The delegates, who were on the visit to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the ties between the Council and All-China Youth Federation (ACYF), said in the release they would foster young leaders, and strengthen youth exchanges with China.

Founded in 1966, the Council is a bipartisan, non-profit educational exchange organization, which has conducted 56 exchange visits with the ACYF since the two organizations forged ties.

(Xinhua News Agency August 13, 2009)