BEIJING, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang and U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu Tuesday called for stronger energy cooperation between the two countries.

At a meeting in Beijing, Li said China and the United States had broad agreement and a common interest in maintaining energy security and promoting the development of clean energy.

He said the fast growth of China's new energy industry provided great opportunities for foreign companies.

Li hoped the two sides would strengthen communication and exchanges, deepen pragmatic cooperation in energy, and expand their clean energy cooperation.

Chu said the United States attached importance to energy cooperation with China and would endeavor to promote bilateral programs.

He called for joint efforts from the two sides in construction of a clean energy research center, and hoped they would promote joint research and development, and technology innovation.