Chinese President Jiang Zemin said in Beijing Thursday that he and US President George W. Bush held "very good" closed-door talks prior to their official talks.
At the beginning of the official talks, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, Jiang expressed his welcome again to Bush, who arrived in Beijing Thursday morning.
Jiang said that he and Bush had "very good" closed-door talks on some issues they were most concerned with, and that they would continue their official talks on bilateral relations and the international situation.
Bush thanked the Chinese government for its warm reception, saying that he and his wife are able to see China's progress during the visit. Bush also thanked the Chinese government for its strong support after the September 11 terrorist attacks. He added that the two sides can seek more areas of cooperation, such as new energy technology and the reduction of greenhouse gas emission.
The US president said the two sides can also strengthen their cooperation in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He noted that China's minister of health will visit the United States soon and consult with his US counterpart.
The two sides can share not only information but also hope, Bush said.
This is the second meeting between the two heads of state. They met for the first time four months ago during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders Meeting held in Shanghai last October.
(Xinhua News Agency February 21, 2002)
