On June 1 and 2, 2003, President Hu Jintao met separately with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, renowned physicist Ding Zhaozhong and International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge.

Hu told Mahathir that China and Malaysia are good neighbors, friends and partners. The new central leadership in China attaches great importance to friendly relations and cooperation with Malaysia, and believe that China-Malaysia good-neighborly and friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation will score constant development.

Mahathir said that to strengthen Malaysia-China cooperation conforms to the interests of both sides, and hope that China will play bigger role in Asian and world affairs.

The two leaders also exchanged views on some international issues, and agreed that the UN plays irreplaceable role in maintaining world peace and stability. Countries should strengthen consultation and coordination within the UN framework so as to jointly handle international affairs in a proper manner.

While meeting international renowned physicist and Nobel Prize winner Ding Zhaozhong, Hu carefully listened to Ding’s introduction to his recent work and next step, and wished new progress in all relevant scientific research projects.

While meeting International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge, Hu said that under the great support of the Chinese government, Beijing 2008 Olympic Committee is making various preparations step by step and according to plan. He said that with decisive measures from the Chinese government, the SARS epidemic has been initially under control. Preparation including the building of the Olympic stadiums has not been disrupted. Beijing is enhancing public health, rapid response mechanism and security safeguards so as to ensure the success of the 2008 Olympic Games.

Hu stressed that the Chinese government will, as always, fully support the work of Beijing Olympic Committee, and strengthen cooperation with IOC. He said that with joint efforts, Beijing 2008 Olympic Games will be the best of its kind.

Rogge said that Beijing 2008 Olympic Committee works with excellent performance and great efficiency, which has won great assessment from the IOC. It is of great importance for international sports games that the Olympic Games be held in China, the most populous nation in the world. The IOC fully supports China’s efforts to make the Games a success, and believe that the success of the 2008 Olympic Games will be treasure shared by all the humankind.