Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday said the foundation of China-U.S. relations lies in the people and hoped for an enduring friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, in Beijing.

Hailing Gates and his foundation for their long-term work to promote global poverty reduction, health, development and philanthropy around the world, Xi said the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, which are being accelerated, adding that the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative put forward by him aim to provide a Chinese solution to global challenges.

"China focuses on solving its own problems first," Xi told Gates, adding that as a large country with a population of more than 1.4 billion, China's long-term stability and sustainable development is a major contribution to world peace, stability and prosperity.

He called for consolidating the achievements of poverty alleviation, realizing rural revitalization, and constantly improving rural health.

Highlighting China's commitment to advancing national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization, Xi said China will never fall into a pattern of seeking hegemony, and will instead work with other countries to achieve common development and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

The Chinese president said China is willing to work with all countries to carry out extensive scientific and technological innovation cooperation, actively participate in and advance the causes of tackling global challenges such as climate change, pandemic prevention, and public health.

The Chinese side stands ready to work with the foundation to continue to enhance cooperation in relevant areas, and provide support and assistance to other developing countries within its capacity, he said.

"You are the first American friend I have met in Beijing this year," Xi told Gates, calling for more exchanges to increase understanding.

Introducing the current progress of cooperation with China and future plans, Gates lauded China's remarkable achievements in poverty alleviation and tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.

Noting that the foundation has carried out sound cooperation with China and made remarkable progress, Gates said China accelerates innovative development, which is beneficial to China, to developing countries, and to the world.

The foundation is committed to working with China in further strengthening cooperation in areas such as innovation, global poverty reduction, public health, medicine research and development, as well as agriculture, he said, vowing to promote successful experience and technology to developing countries.