On April 26, 2004, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan met with East Timor's Minister for Internal Administration Ana Pessoa, who is attending the 60th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Shanghai.

Tang looked back with pleasure upon his presence at the ceremony celebrating the independence of East Timor two years ago. He said that since its birth two years ago, East Timor has achieved positive results in promoting national reconciliation, social stability, economic growth and other aspects and has won widespread recognition from the international community.

Tang noted that though China and East Timor established their diplomatic relations not long ago, their relations have enjoyed very good and rapid development. With the successful visit by Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri to China last year, the ruling parties of the two countries have also established their official relations. In September, Parliament President Lu-Olo will attend an international conference for Asian political parties in Beijing and pay a visit to China. All these exchanges of top-level visits are very conducive to deepened mutual understanding and enhanced mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. China hopes that this good momentum can be maintained.

Pessoa indicated that since its independence, East Timor has always been committed to social stability and economic growth. During this process, China has offered considerable assistance. The East Timorese government and people are very much thankful for China's support and stand ready to work with China to further expand cooperation between the two countries in various fields.