BEIJING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan on Thursday called for efforts from both sides to safeguard the relations between China and the United States.

"The two nations should further enhance understanding and mutual trust to avoid politicizing economic and trade issues," Wang said when meeting Madeleine Albright, former U.S. secretary of state.

During their meeting at Zhongnanhai in downtown Beijing, Wang said Sino-U.S. relations were "moving forward through difficulties."

Economic and trade cooperation between the two sides were expanding and the interaction between Chinese and U.S. enterprises and markets intensifying, Wang said.

"China will not change its policy of opening-up and the investment environment will also be improved," he said, asking foreign entrepreneurs to be confident and patient.

Albright said a sound U.S.-China relationship was critical to the world economy.