BEIJING, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday met with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter as the two nations marked the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

"As old friends of the Chinese people, you played an important role in establishing China-U.S. diplomatic ties and witnessed that historic decision," Hu told the Carter-led U.S. delegation, which came here for commemorative events.

Thanks to the "ping-pong diplomacy" that melted the ice between the nations, then U.S. President Richard Nixon paid a groundbreaking visit to China in 1972.

The two countries formally established diplomatic relations on Jan. 1, 1979.

The U.S. delegation to the Beijing celebrations included key figures in forging relations such as former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, National Security Advisors Brent Scowcroft and Zbigniew Brzezinski and former U.S. ambassadors.

"For a long time, whether in office or retired, you have made unremitting efforts in building the friendship between the two nations and developing the relationship. I highly appreciate those efforts," Hu said.

"For all American citizens, particularly for these leaders, this is a wonderful occasion to celebrate," Carter said.

Carter said earlier this week that he spent time with U.S. President-elect Barack Obama and met with the current President George W. Bush and former Presidents George Bush Sr. and Bill Clinton.

"I explained the purpose of this visit to President-elect Obama. He wants me to extend to you his personal greetings and his commitment to continue the mutual respect and partnership we've enjoyed over the past 30 years."

Carter said: "All of us, even including Deng Xiaoping, would have been amazed 30 years ago at the great changes that took place not only within your own country, but in the relationship between our two nations."
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