On April 24, 2002, Vice President Hu Jintao, on an official visit to Malaysia, had a cordial meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

Mahathir expressed gladness at Hu's visit. Malaysia and China have maintained very friendly ties and the cooperation between the two countries are fruitful. Malaysia attaches great importance to China's increasingly vital role in international affairs and thinks that the growing up of China will benefit countries in Asia and the whole world. The Malaysian government hopes that the relations between Malaysia and China will achieve all-round development in the new century.

Hu conveyed cordial greetings from President Jiang Zemin, Chairman Li Peng, and Premier Zhu Rongji to Mahathir. He said that Sino-Malaysian bilateral relations have been developing smoothly in recent years. Mutual understanding and trust have been enhanced through frequent contacts between leaders of the two countries while the joint statement signed by the two sides in 1999 has laid down a solid foundation for the development of bilateral ties. Hu thanks Mahathir for his active efforts in safeguarding and promoting ties with China.

Hu noted that in the process of globalization, economic competition among countries is likely to get tougher. developing countries often find themselves in a disadvantageous position during the competition. What is important for developing countries as China and Malaysia is to meet the challenges together through close and mutually-complementary cooperation. China is willing to join Malaysia in making contributions to peace and development in Asia and the world.

Hu said that we hope to further strengthen Sino-Malaysian cooperation. Leaders of the two countries should also keep close contact and exchange views on bilateral relations and major issues concerning regional and world affairs on regular basis.

The two leaders briefed each other their positions on the Middle East issue. Mahathier stressed that Malaysia is against the practice of dual standards on the issue of human rights and the fight against terrorism. Hu agreed with Malaysia's position. He said the key is that Israel should immediately implement the relevant resolutions of the U.N. Security Council, withdraw its troops from the Palestinian territory, restore the freedom of movement to Yasser Arafat and guarantee his personal safety. Violence revenging violence will not help solve the issue, rather will increase confrontation and hatred. The only right way to settle the dispute is peaceful negotiation.

The two leaders also exchanged views on world multipolarization and Afghan issue.