On July 9, 2009, Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo met with U.S. President Barack Obama in the central Italian city of L'Aquila. Both sides exchanged views on bilateral relations and other major international and regional issues. Dai was here to attend the outreach session of the G8 Summit on behalf of Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Dai first conveyed Hu's greetings to Obama. Obama expressed thanks and asked Dai to pass on his greetings and good wishes to Hu.

Obama said the U.S. side attached importance to the U.S.-China relations, and he hoped that the upcoming U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue could generate fruitful results. It is important for the United States and China to enhance cooperation on major international and global issues, Obama said, adding that it is in the common interest of both countries and their peoples. He noted that he was looking forward to visiting China in the second half of this year.