On May 15, President Jiang Zemin met with Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Haji Hassanal Bolkiah at Zhongnanhai, Beijing. The two sides held warm and friendly talks.

Jiang said that Relations between China and Brunei have been developing in political, economic, cultural and other sectors since the two countries established diplomatic relationship ten years ago. The two countries have carried out a number of projects, which have helped to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries. Brunei successfully hosted the 8th Informal Leadership Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) last year. The ninth Informal Leadership Meeting of the APEC will be held in Shanghai this year. China will learn from Brunei in this aspect so as to make this year's meeting a success.

The Sultan thanked Jiang for the meeting and the warm and friendly reception accorded by the Chinese side. He said that China and Brunei enjoyed traditional friendship and bilateral relationship has seen smooth development over the past decade. Cooperation has been expanded in agriculture and education sectors. Brunei will exert every effort to support China in hosting APEC's ninth Informal Leadership Meeting.