President Jiang Meets Qatar Prime Minister

President Jiang Meets Qatar Prime Minister

---

President Jiang Zemin Tuesday expressed satisfaction with the development of political, economic and cultural cooperation between China and Qatar.

The two countries' relationship of cooperation has become even closer and deeper since Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al- Thani's China visit in 1999, Jiang said in a meeting with visiting Prime Minister Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al-Thani of the State of Qatar.

Jiang said that he believes Abdullah's ongoing visit will further bilateral friendly cooperation.

Jiang expressed thanks for the Emir's greetings and asked Abdullah to convey his cordial greetings and good wishes to the Emir.

He also thanked the Emir for inviting him to visit Qatar and said that he will make the visit when opportunity offers.

China and Qatar have long been supporting each other in international affairs and their cooperation has been fruitful, Jiang said.

The president also thanked Qatar for its resolute support to China on the Taiwan and human rights issues.

Jiang told the guest that China has all along developed relations of friendly cooperation with all countries on the basis of the five principles of peaceful co-existence and treated other countries, big or small, strong or weak, as equals.

He added that as the world has entered the 21st century, the leaders of state leaders have the responsibility to work together to push forward the cause of peace and development.

Abdullah reiterated Qatar's support to China on the Taiwan and human rights issues and on China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO).

He also said that he appreciates China's just stance on the Mid- east peace process and the Iraq issue.