On February 24, 2003, President Jiang Zemin held talks with Vladimir Voronin, President of Moldova, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People. The two leaders cordially reviewed how the bilateral relations developed during the years, made clear what the cooperation goal is in the future, discussed international and regional issues of common concern, and reached a wide consensus.

Firstly Jiang welcomed Voronin’s visit to China. Pleasantly recalling his successful visit to Moldova in 2001, he expressed gladness to see President Voronin again here in Beijing. He believed that the Voronin’s visit to China will deeply influence the development of bilateral ties.

Jiang was satisfied with the auspicious development of Sino-Moldovian relations. He said that between the two countries, the cultural exchanges, similar histories and common task that they are faced with make their people know each other, be friendly to each other and respect each other. China and Moldova have become “good friends and good partners”, who mutually support and closely cooperate in international affairs. The bilateral political mutual trust is increased, exchanges and cooperation in the areas of economic, science and technology, culture, education, health care and military are expanded, regional and nongovernmental exchanges are gradually enlarged, and the enterprises of the two countries have also established direct links, which is especially embodied in the effect of their agricultural cooperation. Jiang pointed out that an important reason for the healthy development of Sino-Moldovian relations lies in thick-and-thin mutual understanding and respect for each other’s choice, and support for each other’s interest and need on important issues. China appreciates the Moldavian government’s firm support on the issue of Taiwan. China will continue to respect the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova as well as its efforts for unification. Jiang stressed that to develop Sino-Moldavian friendship answer for the fundamental interests of two countries and their people. To carry forward the traditional Sino-Moldavian friendship, it is necessary to educate the young generation in a down-to-earth manner, who is to become the tie and ligament of consolidating and developing the friendship, and to impel them to strengthen communication and contact so as to secure the friendly relations between the two countries.

President Voronin was very glad to have the chance to visit China, saying this is an important opportunity for the two countries to better understand each other. He said he admires the achievements China has made since it began the process of reform and opening up to the outside world, and would like to learn from China’s experience to propel his own country’s economic construction.

Voronin sang high praise for the bilateral relations. He said after having established the diplomatic relations, the two countries have had a good cooperation in the fields of politics, economy, culture, education and international affairs so that the bilateral relations develop smoothly. It needed to be especially pointed out that in 2001, president Jiang Zemin had a successful visit to Moldova, which greatly took forward the development of Sino-Moldavian relations. After that, the two sides cooperate with fine achievements in industry, agriculture, culture, etc, and the relationship stepped into a more stable and harmonious stage. Voronin expressed thanks for China’s help and support offered when Moldova was in need of construction. Moldova attaches great importance to developing relations with China, and expanding the exchanges in the fields of agriculture and culture. Moldova also hopes to strengthen the cooperation with China in establishing free trade zone, educational exchange, better teaching the young generation, holding China-Moldova cultural festival and constructing a traditional Chinese medicine center in Moldova, etc so as to make the relationship more stable and practical.

Voronin stressed that Moldova will uphold the One China policy and support China’s reunification cause. Moldova believes China will play a more important role in maintaining world peace and stability.

President Jiang introduced to Voronin the important principles of how China deals with the relationships with other countries and China’s stance toward the current international hot issues. He stressed that it has become an important principle that all countries, no matter big or small, should be equal to each other. To respect each country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is the premise of safeguarding the world peace. And to maintain the diversity of the world is the key to guarantee the balanced development of human society. The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence is the important foundation of dealing with relations among different countries. To promote dialogue and communications is the significant way to deepen understanding, enhance mutual trust and advance cooperation. Peaceful negotiation is the best method to solve disputes and conflict.

As to the Iraqi issue, Jiang reiterated that China always claims that peace is of the uttermost value. The Iraqi issue should be resolved through political means within the framework of the United Nations, and that Iraq should strictly, comprehensively and conscientiously implement relevant Security Council resolutions. The work of the two inspection institutions of the U.N. has gained some progress and should be continued, which is also the wish of the majority of the international community.

Voronin appreciated Jiang’s briefings and praised and supported the way of how China deals with the relations with other countries. He said Moldova insists that Iraqi issue should be resolved peacefully through negotiations, and that the United Nations inspections should continue.

Following the talks, the two presidents signed a Sino-Moldavian Joint Communiqué and witnessed the signing of four cooperation agreements such as the Exchange of Note on Aid From the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Moldova.