She urged the universities to raise more constructive suggestions and encourage people from all walks of life in both countries to have a balanced view of each other so as to avoid detours in bilateral relations.

Third, she said that universities should "enhance the capability of students to engage in cross-cultural communication" by maximizing opportunities for short- and long-term exchanges.

Liu said institutions must nurture in the students the spirit of humanity and the sense that the entire world constitutes a community of shared destiny.

Last but not least, Liu expressed the hope that the two countries can serve as a model of cooperation for the world.

Although there are twists and turns in bilateral ties over the past years, she stressed, people-to-people exchanges between the two countries have never stopped.

Liu made it clear that differences in culture and political systems should not be allowed to affect cooperation between the two countries.

"As long as we open up our hearts to each other, respect each other and seek common ground while putting aside differences, we can bridge any gap and usher in a more promising future for a new model of major-country relationship," she said.

"This will not only benefit the two peoples, but also contribute to the peace and prosperity of the world," added the vice premier.

Liu, who also visited Pittsburgh before Houston, left later Monday for Washington to co-chair the sixth High-Level Consultation on People-to-People Exchange (CPE) with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.

Launched in 2009, the CPE has offered a broader platform for friendly exchanges between the two peoples.