On May 13, 2003, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing met with Mohand Laenser, Envoy of Moroccan King Mohammed VI and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Morocco.

Laenser delivered to Li a letter from King Mohammed VI to Chinese President Hu Jintao, noted that friendly cooperation between Morocco and China are developing very well in various areas, and expressed hope for further developing bilateral friendly ties in various fields and within the framework of China-Africa Cooperation Forum. Laenser said Morocco resolutely supports China's combat against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). He also expressed the belief that the Chinese Government can lead its people to win the battle.

Li welcomed Laenser to China and said that China-Morocco friendship dates back to ancient times. The Chinese Government always attaches great importance to developing relations with Morocco, and hopes for strengthening bilateral consultations and coordination in regional and international affairs. Li also thanked Morocco for supporting China's fight against the SARS epidemic.