On April 19, 2002, President Jiang Zemin, on a state visit to Iran, met with Governor-General Mohammad Ebrahim Ansari Lari of Fars at the hotel Jiang stayed.

Jiang said that the Chinese people have deep feelings of the Iranian people. It is hoped that China-Iranian friendly relations and cooperation can score new and greater development in the new century. Exchanges and cooperation between China and Fars in all fields can reach a new high.

Ansari Lari extended, on behalf of the local government of Fars and people, a warm welcome to President Jiang Zemin for his visit to Shiraz, Fars. He said that Iran-China friendship dates back to a long time ago. The two peoples both hope to further develop the friendly relations. Fars will work with China to expand friendly exchanges and cooperation in economic, trade, cultural, tourism and other fields.