US President Barack Obama said, "The relationship between the United States and China will shape the 21st century, which makes it as important as any bilateral relationship in the world. That really must underpin our partnership. That is the responsibility that together we bear."

Also at the opening ceremony, Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan said China and the US will make further efforts to tackle the international financial crisis.

Vice Premier Wang Qishan said, "The current world economy is in an important period of recovery. The Chinese government's efforts to deal with the financial crisis have had some success. Both Chinese and US economies have showed signs of recovery."

The two-day dialogue is focusing on the challenges and opportunities that both countries are facing. These include a wide range of bilateral, regional and global areas of immediate and long-term strategic and economic interest.

(CCTV July 29, 2009)