(Yicai Global) April 23 -- The head of the US National Committee on  America-China Relations is optimistic about the countries' ties in the  long-term.

Stephen Orlins, chairman of the committee, made the comments at the opening  ceremony of the 22nd Harvard College China Forum, in Boston on April 12.  Cooperation between both countries is necessary to tackle global issues  such as financial crises, climate change, terrorism and epidemics, he  added. 

Founded  in 1998, the forum is North America's largest and oldest Chinese summit  run by students. It happens each April with business, academic and  political elites in attendance to offer insights on challenges, issues  and trends that China faces and makes suggestions on the country's  development.

This year's edition featured 11 sub-forums on issues including bridging  China-US talks, the international management of Chinese firms, the  internationalization of Chinese education and new entertainment models.

With the theme of "A Global Community, One Shared Destiny," this year's  forum hoped to become a platform for people from all walks of life to  communicate with each other to enhance the world's knowledge of China  and promote cooperation, Li Jiarong, co-vice-president of the forum  stated. 

Over 100 guests and another 1,000 people were in attendance.