On February 13, 2001, President Jiang Zemin met with visiting Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien at Zhongnanhai. Jiang first extended sincere congratulation to Chretien upon his re-election as Canadian Prime Minister and warmly welcomed his ongoing 4th visit to China. He noted that Chretien is an old friend of China and expressed appreciation for his valuable contribution to the development of China-Canada relations. He added that they two have met on many bilateral and multilateral occasions in recent years. He recalled the warm reception accorded him by Chretien during his visit to Canada in l997, which is still fresh in his memory. He was convinced that Chretien’s ongoing visit at the beginning of the new century signals another year of bumper harvest for the China-Canada relations, and will serve to further the comprehensive partnership of cooperation between the two countries in the new century.

Noting the fruitful talks between Chretien and his Chinese counterpart Zhu Rongji the day before yesterday, Jiang said both sides have achieved extensive consensus on expanding cooperation in various fields. He noted that thanks to the concerted efforts of both sides, bilateral relations in various fields have scored remarkable progress since the two countries established diplomatic ties, adding that this relationship has kept a momentum of fast development in recent years. Jiang said that both sides have frequent exchange of high-level visits, strengthened their political consultations and maintained good cooperation on some major international and regional issues. Bilateral economic and trade relations have also developed in a fast pace, with bilateral trade volume increasing by a large margin and cooperation field continuing to expand. Cooperation in the fields of science, technology, education, culture, energy resources and environmental protection is being further deepened. China is satisfied with the positive progress in its ties with Canada in recent years. Jiang expressed the belief that bilateral friendly relations and cooperation will score steady development, so long as both sides handle the ties on the basis of mutual respect and benefit, equal consultation, as well as seeking common ground while preserving differences.
 
Chretien said he is very happy about visiting China again and meeting with Jiang for the 11th time. He noted that bilateral relationship has enjoyed overall development in the past 30 years since the two countries forged diplomatic ties, with which Canada is satisfied. Noting that he is heading a very large delegation including some governors and over 500 entrepreneurs, he said his ongoing visit is proceeding smoothly and the two sides have signed many important agreements on investment and cooperation. He was convinced that the visit will help to further promote bilateral cooperation both in depth and in breadth.

Jiang also briefed Chretien on China's domestic situations and its views on the current international situation. He asked Chretien to pass on his best wishes to Canadian Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson.