Xi hails 'old friend' Kissinger in Beijing meeting

Chinese leader lauds ex-US diplomat for helping to develop ties between both sides

BEIJING - Chinese leader Xi Jinping hailed former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger as an "old friend" as the two met in Beijing on Thursday, striking an easy tone in their meeting amid efforts by China and the US to mend frayed ties.

Dr Kissinger's visit to China this week has seen him call for a rapprochement between Washington and Beijing, which remain at loggerheads over a range of issues, from human rights to trade and national security.

The 100-year-old former diplomat was central to the United States establishing ties with communist China in the 1970s and has maintained close contact with the country's leaders over the years.

Noting that Dr Kissinger has just celebrated his 100th birthday and has visited China more than 100 times, Mr Xi said his visit this time was of "special significance".

"Chinese people value friendship, and we will never forget our old friend and your historic contribution to promoting the development of China-US relations and enhancing the friendship between the Chinese and American peoples," Mr Xi told Dr Kissinger on Thursday, state media said.

"This not only benefited the two countries, but also changed the world," Mr Xi added.