President Hu Jintao delivers a speech during the opening ceremony of the China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue at the Diaoyutai Guesthouse in Beijing May 3, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - Chinese President Hu Jintao on Thursday called on China and the United States to nourish friendship between the two peoples.

Hu made the remark when addressing the opening session of the fourth round of the China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogues (S &ED) in Beijing.

"To build a new type of relations between China and the United States, we need to nourish our friendship," he said, noting that friendship between people holds the key to growing good relations between states.

He said the two sides should actively promote exchanges between Chinese and Americans from all walks of life and encourage greater public participation in the cause of promoting China-U.S. friendship and cooperation.

"I am glad to note that the third meeting of the China-U.S. High-Level Consultation on People-to-People Exchange will be held at the same time of the fourth round of the S&ED," he said.

He hoped that this meeting will further enhance the mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

Hu said China and the United States should promote peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific and beyond.

By citing an old Chinese saying, "only by working diligently can one achieve his goal, and only by walking tirelessly can one reach his destination," he urged the two sides to take solid and effective steps to implement what they have agreed upon.

He said the two countries should enhance practical cooperation in a wide range of areas, and step up coordination on regional and international issues.

He also called on the two sides to promote peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific and beyond, and bring the benefits of China-U.S. cooperation to the people of the two countries and the whole world.