Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi (R) meets with U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice in New York, the United States, Feb. 25, 2015. (Xinhua/Wang Lei)

NEW YORK, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice agreed here Wednesday that the two sides will work closely and make full preparations to ensure the success of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the United States in September.

Xi has put forward important proposals for further advancing a new type of major-country relationship between the two nations in a recent phone conversation with his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama, Yang said.

Both sides should earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, respect each other's core interests and major concerns, actively explore pragmatic cooperation in various fields, properly handle differences and sensitive issues, among others, to further boost their ties in the new year, he added.

Rice said that the United States is willing to strengthen contacts and cooperation at various levels in accordance with the consensus reached by the two heads of state, and jointly cope with those regional and global challenges.

Meanwhile, the United States will effectively manage and control the differences between the two nations in a sincere and constructive way and keep the sound momentum of the U.S.-China ties, Rice said.

On the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, Yang stressed that China adheres to the principles of denuclearization and peaceful settlement through dialogue and negotiations, so as to maintain peace and stability on the peninsula.

He expressed hope that all related parties will exercise restraint, avoid any irritating rhetoric and acts, and jointly maintain peace and stability on the peninsula.

On the Iranian nuclear issue, Yang reiterated China's stance, hoping all related parties will always keep the overall situation in mind, show flexibility, and achieve a comprehensive deal as early as possible.

Yang and Rice also exchanged views on the issues such as celebrations of the UN's 70th founding anniversary, the post-2015 development agenda, climate change, counterterrorism and Ebola.