Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (2nd right) meets with a delegation of US senators and representatives organized by the Aspen Institute in Beijing on March 31, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday met with a delegation of US senators and representatives organized by the Aspen Institute, calling on the two countries to increase common interests and properly deal with differences.

Li underlined the growing importance of China-US ties, saying the two nations have far more common interests than differences.

He said the two sides should promote the long-term, healthy and stable development of bilateral relations on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, which will also contribute to peace and stability of the region and the world.

Li briefed the guests on China's economic reform.

China will create a market environment of fair competition, protect intellectual property rights and welcome foreign companies, including the US enterprises, to invest in China, said Li.

China is willing to work with the United States to step up negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty (BIT) and strive to reach a high-level and balanced treaty, so as to create a sound environment for bilateral trade cooperation, he said.

Li said China's development needs a peaceful international environment and a stable surrounding environment.

China is committed to good-neighborly friendship with countries in the region, and is ready to make joint efforts with them to safeguard regional peace, stability and common development, said the premier.

The US delegation members said that US-China relations are the most important bilateral relations in the world and that the United States appreciates the great achievements that China has made.