Vice President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday that U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner's China visit is significant for the stability and development of China-U.S. economic relations and the development of bilateral relations in 2012.

Vice-Premier Wang Qishan (right) shakes hands with United States Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner before their meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on Tuesday. Wang urged the US to loosen export control of high-tech products to China and be cautious about the use of trade remedies. [Photo/China Daily via Agencies]

Xi made the remark during a meeting with Geithner, who is visiting Beijing as U.S. President Barack Obama's special representative.

Xi said he hopes to exchange views with Geithner on issues of common concern, including Sino-U.S. ties.

"As the representatives of the leaders of both sides, you and Vice Premier Wang Qishan co-chaired the China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED)," Xi said, citing an example of Geithner's frequent communication and cooperation with China.

The third round of the S&ED was held in Washington from May 9 to 10 last year.

Xi expressed appreciation for Geithner's work regarding China-U.S. macroeconomic coordination and pragmatic cooperation.

Geithner said he hopes to use his visit to explore how to work together to create a stronger economic relationship between the U.S. and China.

"I look forward to expanding our exports to China and expanding cooperation on the great range of economic and strategic issues we face around the globe," Geithner said.

"Our top priority now is economic growth and recovery in the U.S. and around the world," Geithner said.

Geithner arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for a two-day visit to China. He is scheduled to meet with Premier Wen Jiabao, Vice Premier Li Keqiang and Vice Premier Wang Qishan.

Geithner studied at Peking University as a member of the second group of U.S. exchange students to study in China in 1981.