Chinese President Jiang Zemin, who arrived in Macao at noon to attend the Macao handover ceremony, met with Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari here this afternoon.

The two presidents shook hands and exchanged greetings. President Jiang said, "You are quite welcome, your excellency, to attend the Macao handover ceremony as president of the European

Union's revolving presiding country. Premier Zhu Rongji and I are all old friends of yours."

President Ahtisaari, who arrived this morning to attend the handover ceremony, said he was glad to have the opportunity to attend the ceremony.

Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji, Vice-Premier Qian Qichen, secretary-general of the State Council Wang Zhongyu and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tang Jiaxuan were also present at the meeting.