On May 18, 2002, East Timor President-elect Xanana Gusmao, Chief Minister of Transitional Government Alkartili and Speaker of the Constituent Assembly Francisco Guterres (Lu Olo) met jointly with Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan, who was invited to attend independence celebration of East Timor.

Tang first warmly congratualated East Timor on its independence. He conveyed to Xanana cordial greetings from President Jiang Zemin and other Chinese leaders and a message of congratulations from President Jiang Zemin on East Timor's independence. He expressed the wish and belief that East Timor is sure to find a path of development commensurate with its own national conditions, score new achievements in its nation-building and display robust vitality and broad prospects.

Tang said the establishment of China and East Timor is a milestone in bilateral relations. China attaches much importance to its friendship with East Timor, and is willing to develop all-round good-neighborly and friendly relations with East Timor on the basis of Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. China supports East Timor in joining the United Nations, the World Bank and other international and regional organizations. China also supports UN's continued presence of a relative scale after East Timor's independence, and will continue to send civil police and officials to take part in UN Mission of Support in East Timor. Tang stressed that China stands for that countries, big or small, strong or weak, are equal members of the international community. China is ready to enhance cooperation with East Timor in international and regional affairs, to make joint efforts to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, and to promote regional peace, stability and development.

Xanana welcomed Tang to the independence ceremony of East Timor. He said this indicates the Chinese government's strong support for his country. Xanana thanks China for its selfless assistence and support to East Timor in its independence process. He said that China is a friendly neighbor of East Timor. The East Timor government and people have always treasured and appreciated the assistance accorded by China. He said that East Timor will still face a lot of difficulties and challenges in its nation-building after independence. But with help from friends like China, East Timor will be able to overcome difficulties. He and the East Timor people are full of confidence in the country's future.