BEIJING  -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, in talks with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Monday, called on the United States to take measures to stabilize its currency and prevent further slowdown of the global economy.

Premier Wen Jiabao(L) shakes hands with visiting US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Beijing on Monday. [Xinhua]

China was taking measures to safeguard its stable economic development and hoped the United States would overcome its credit crisis soon, Wen said, adding that China was willing to cooperate with the United States.

"We are willing to make joint efforts with the US to cohere to the dialogue and consultation mechanism and take each other's concerns into consideration to better achieve mutual benefits," Wen said.

He applauded the growth of the bilateral relations and cooperation in fields such as trade, the fight against terrorism, energy and environment.

"The consolidation of China-US constructive and cooperative relations is our shared responsibility," Wen told Rice.

Wen also expressed gratitude for the assistance offered by the US government and people for China's earthquake reconstruction.

After her arrival in China on Sunday, Rice visited Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, to see for herself the effects of the 8.0-magnitude earthquake on May 12.

Rice said she was very impressed by China's quake relief and reconstruction work and the United States would continue its support and help for those affected.

Rice said bilateral relations had developed significantly in the last seven years, citing the fact that the two countries had established close high-level exchanges and communication, a strategic economic dialogue and strategic dialogue, and good cooperation on the Korea and Iran nuclear issues.

The US-China relationship was of vital importance to the world and the Bush administration would continue to promote ties and help the next administration to fully understand its importance, Rice said.

She also proposed the two countries work closer on the issues of energy and climate change, address the difficulties and challenges posed by the slowdown of the world economy, and jointly promote free trade.

Also on Monday, State Councilor Dai Bingguo met with Rice.