On December 17, 2002, Premier Zhu Rongji met with Jose Ramos Horta, East Timorese Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Shanghai.

Zhu extended his congratulations on the founding of the Democratic Republic of East Timor. He said he was convinced that, with the support of the entire East Timorese people and the international community, the newly-founded Democratic Republic of East Timor will overcome temporary difficulties and score important achievements in the building of the nation and in social progress.

Zhu said that China highly values its friendly cooperative ties with East Timor and bilateral cooperation in various fields has proven effective. He went on to say that China, as a developing country, will do its utmost to aid East Timor, support the consolidation of the young nation and boost its mutually beneficial cooperation with East Timor.

Zhu briefed the guests on the 16th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) that was convened successfully not long ago. He said that China?s achievements have proven that the policies enforced by the CPC have been correct and have won the approval of the people. He said that China will continue to stick to the reform and opening-up policy, adding that China?s economy will continue to grow at a comparatively rapid speed and China will achieve its goal of building a well-off society in 20 years? time.

Horta extended warm congratulations to the 16th CPC National Congress and expressed his admiration for China?s tremendous achievements. He said China's status in the international arena has been rising in a sustained manner and that developing countries such as East Timor are pleased that China, as the sole Asian and also the sole developing nation among the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, has adopted a responsible and just stance in its handling of international affairs. He said that China understands and sympathizes with needy countries' difficulties because the country itself has experienced poverty and under-development before it turns modern.

Horta enumerated a range of cooperative projects between China and East Timor including China's deployment of civilian police in the country, exploring petroleum and natural gas and building a mansion for the Foreign Ministry of East Timor, adding that the two countries have also conducted fruitful cooperation in such fields as agriculture and fisheries. He noted that the East Timorese people are grateful for China's care and help. He said that with the support of China and the international community, the people of East Timor will unite to overcome difficulties and achieve national stability and prosperity.