Putin briefed Jiang on his meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush on June 16 in Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia. Jiang thanked Putin for the briefing.

Jiang said that he had taken notice that, in his meeting with Bush, Putin reiterated the principled position that the Treaty on the Limitation of Anti-ballistic Missile Systems is a foundation stone for international security. The Chinese side appreciates it, Jiang said.

Jiang said that Putin and Bush had both expressed their willingness to resolve the differences and problems in Russia-U.S. relations through dialogue and consultations.

Jiang said he believes the dialogue and cooperation between Russia and the United States can help maintain world peace, security, and stability.

Bush said that he would meet Jiang during the APEC meeting to be held in October in Shanghai and visit China, the Chinese president said, adding that he welcomes that.

He said that he hopes this will help promote mutual understanding between China and the United States and the development of relations between the two countries.

Putin said that the founding of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is an important event of historical significance. He thanked Jiang for the hospitality he was treated to during the SCO summit not long ago.

Putin said that he is looking forward to Jiang's state visit to Russia.

Jiang thanked Putin for his contributions to the success of the SCO summit which concluded several days ago. Jiang said that he is also looking forward to meeting with Putin in Moscow.

(Peopel's Daily 06/19/2001)