BEIJING - China and the United States will hold the first round of consultations on Asia-Pacific affairs in Hawaii on Saturday, said Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai on Tuesday.

Cui and US Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell will co-host the consultations, and the two countries will exchange views on the general situation of the region, respective policies on the area, as well as other issues of common concern, he said.

The consultation mechanism is a new step by the two countries in implementing the common consensus reached between President Hu and his counterpart Barack Obama during Hu's visit to the United States in January, Cui said.

According to the joint statement issued during Hu's visit to the US, both leaders expressed support for building "a more stable, peaceful, and prosperous Asia-Pacific region for the 21st century".

China hopes the first round of consultations can yield positive results, promote bilateral communication on Asia and Pacific affairs, expand practical cooperation, and help proper handling of differences, so as to push forward regional peace, stability and development, and the bilateral relationship, Cui said.

"The Asia-Pacific region is where China and the United States have the most overlapping interests," Cui said, adding that the two countries had decided to set up a consultation channel.

He said the mechanism will help the two countries better plan cooperation in the region, and facilitate healthy bilateral interaction.