China and the United States have agreed to further boost their bilateral relationship toward a cooperative partnership for the benefit of the whole world, President Hu Jintao said Wednesday.

The visiting Chinese leader presented the course forward at a joint press conference at the White House with his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama following their eighth meeting in two years.

During the talks, conducted in "a candid, pragmatic and constructive atmosphere," the two sides reached "important agreement on China-U.S. relations and major international and regional issues of shared interests," according to the Chinese president.

"We both agree to further push forward the positive, cooperative and comprehensive China-U.S. relationship," Hu said, adding that both sides also pledged to forge "a China-U.S. cooperative partnership based on mutual respect and mutual benefit" for the benefit of the two countries and beyond.

Meanwhile, the two sides "should firmly adhere to the right direction," respecting each other's core interests and handling their relations with a long-term perspective, which will enable both countries to make greater contributions to world peace and development, he said.

Citing the growing number of global challenges, the Chinese president stressed that Beijing and Washington "share expanding common interests and shoulder increasing common responsibilities."

Accordingly, he added, the two sides have agreed to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in economy, trade, environment, education, science and technology, non-proliferation and counter-terrorism among many other fields.