NEW YORK, July 29 (Xinhua) -- China and the United States pledged on Saturday to further strengthen law enforcement cooperation between the two countries.

In a joint statement issued during the four-day visit to the United States by Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Zhou Yongkang, the two sides said that "law enforcement cooperation between China and the United States is an important component of and a positive factor in strengthening bilateral relations."

During the visit, the Chinese minister, who began his U.S. tour on July 26, held an official meeting with U.S. Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales.

During the meeting, the two sides had a frank and in-depth exchange of views on further strengthening law enforcement cooperation as well as on a variety of other issues of common concern.

The two sides agreed that enhanced China-U.S. cooperation in security and law enforcement not only serves the common interest of the two countries, but also benefits peace, stability and development in the Asia-Pacific region and the world as a whole. Enditem