(VOVworld) - US national security adviser Susan Rice met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Friday amid final preparations for the Chinese leader's visit to Washington next month.

US National Security Advisor Susan Rice (L) and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Friday, Aug. 28, 2015. (Photo: Jason Lee/Pool/AP)

According to the AP, at the meeting President Xi expressed his wish to continue conversation with President Obama to have in-depth exchanges on important issues of mutual interest.

He noted that China wants to work with the US to make sure the Sino-US relations will enjoy sustainable and steady growth. Xi also spoke of the need to "effectively manage the sensitive issues" between Washington and Beijing but offered no specifics.

In her comments, Rice called Xi's upcoming trip a milestone in deepening the cooperation and strengthening the bilateral relationship. She also referred to "issues of difference and some difficulties" that both sides need to work hard to overcome, affirming that the US and China will continue the efforts.