On the morning of February 25, 2003, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Vice President Hu Jintao met with Moldavian President Vladimir Voronin at the Great Hall of the People.

Hu extended welcome to Voronin for his first visit to China. He   said that though China and Moldova were located respectively on the Asian and European continents and geographically distant, the two peoples held each other in friendly affection. Bilateral relations have developed soundly since the establishment of diplomatic ties 11 years ago. High-ranking exchanges had increased in recent years particularly, mutual political trust was strengthened, cooperation was expanded, and exchanges in every field were increasingly flourishing. Hu said that China appreciates Moldova's adherence to the One China policy on the Taiwan question and its firm position of refraining from any official ties with Taiwan.

Hu said that there were neither outstanding issues nor fundamental conflicts of interests between China and Moldova. Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Voronin had fruitful talks and signed a joint communiqué yesterday, which laid a more solid foundation for bilateral ties in the new century. China would join with Moldova to enlarge mutually beneficial cooperation, vigorously promote local and non-governmental exchanges so as to boost friendly relations that are based on equality, mutual trust and mutual benefit.

Hu also spoke highly of Moldova's achievements, saying China would respect Moldova's social system and development path chosen by its people, and support the Moldavian people's efforts in maintaining their national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Voronin said that the Moldavia-China friendship traced back to ancient times. The Moldavian government and people admire and feel proud of China's achievements since it began the process of reform and opening up to the outside world, and would like to learn and borrow China's successful experience while attaching great importance to developing bilateral ties with China. He said that Moldova hoped to expand cooperation and exchanges with China in the areas of politics, economy, science, culture, agriculture, education and international affairs, with a view to consolidating and enriching bilateral ties in the new century. When inviting Hu to visit Moldova at a convenient time, he expressed his belief that direct high-level contacts and exchanges would play an irreplaceable role in enhancing the bilateral ties. Voronin also reiterated that Moldova would support China's reunification and maintain the One China policy, instead of making any official contacts with Taiwan.

Voronin expressed his gladness to make the acquaintance of Hu. He once again extended his congratulations on the successful convention of the Party's 16th National Congress and on Hu's election as CPC Central Committee General Secretary. He said he believed that China, under the new leadership, would make greater progress. Hu expressed his appreciation to it.

Voronin briefed Hu on the domestic situation in Moldova, saying that Moldova was dedicated to its national construction, its stable economic growth and the improvement of people's living standards. He also thanked China for its sincere support and assistance to Moldova, which had gained deep gratitude of the Moldavian government and its people.