Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan on Saturday praised former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger's contribution to Sino-US ties during their meeting in Beijing.

Wang said since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the US 40 years ago, the bilateral relationship has experienced ups and downs, but overall, it has brought great benefits to the people of the two countries and promoted world peace, stability and prosperity.

China and the US established diplomatic ties on January 1, 1979.

History has taught us that mutual respect, equal consultation and mutually beneficial cooperation are the only correct choice for bilateral ties, said Wang.

He called on both nations to follow the trend of the times, continue to deepen mutual understanding and enhance exchanges and cooperation in various areas, properly solve differences, and explore ways to get along with each other under the new circumstances, so as to promote greater development of bilateral ties in the next four decades.

Kissinger said there are more common interests than differences between the US and China.

He agreed that the two nations need to solve current problems through equal dialogue and consultation so as to reach consensus on the future development of bilateral ties, adding that he is willing to make efforts to this end.

Kissinger arrived in Beijing on Wednesday and will leave on Sunday.