NEW YORK, May 27 -- Introducing Chinese President Xi Jinping's book on the governance of China to American readers is a significant move to deepen mutual understanding and promote bilateral ties between the two countries, former U.S. secretary of state Henry Kissinger noted here on Wednesday.

"The exchange of books has been an important contributing element" to the development of U.S.-China relations and an "extraordinary interaction" between the two countries, Kissinger wrote in a message congratulating China on becoming the guest of honor of BookExpo America (BEA) 2015, which kicked off at New York City's Javits Center on Wednesday.

"In this context, it is significant that the Book Expo introduces President Xi Jinping's book, The Governance of China, to an American audience," added the seasoned diplomat, whose message was read out to several hundred people at an hour-long opening ceremony held for the China program around noon.

In his book, Xi "outlined a reform program of unprecedented scope to transform Chinese society. Domestically, President Xi proposes combating corruption, strengthening legal institutions, preserving the environment and growing the Chinese economy to unprecedented levels," Kissinger wrote.

And the Chinese leader "accompanies his vision of a revolutionary transformation of Chinese society with a conception of cooperation with the rest of the world," he added.

"Hence, the rise of China will also have a profound impact on the future of world order."

According to the 92-year-old renowned strategist, whose secret visit to China in 1971 broke the ice and paved the way for the establishment of U.S.-China diplomatic ties in 1979, Xi has elaborated on a vision of world order in which China and the United States work as partners by identifying common interests and undertaking joint action.

"Such an evolution will represent a new approach to world order. Historically, the challenge of rising countries has been to increase tensions with the established powers. President Xi offers the vision of a new model based on the partnership of potentially adversarial countries in the building of a new and peaceful world."

Stating that "close cooperation between the United States and China will be indispensable" to addressing many challenges in the 21st century, Kissinger expressed the belief that "President Xi's forthcoming visit to Washington should deepen mutual understanding and the scope of common purposes."

The former senior U.S.diplomat called China's guest of honor status at the current expo "an important symbol of this effort."

Released in late September 2014 in nine different languages, Xi's book had sold more than 4 million copies globally by mid-April, according to the China International Publishing Group. Some 400,000 were purchased by readers overseas, a new sales record for any Chinese leader's publications in nearly four decades.

The book is a highlight in the China Pavilion of BEA 2015, with conspicuous promotional banners and posters. It is also prominently showcased in the streetside windows and a special "China-themed books section" at a Barnes &Noble outlet in the Upper West Side of Manhattan.