On July 20, 2001, President Jiang Zemin met with Moldavian Prime Minister Vasile Tarlev at the Moldavian State Guest House where he stayed.

Expressing pleasure of making the acquaintance of Tarlev, Jiang conveyed the greetings from Premier Zhu Rongji and expressed the hope that Tarlev will have the opportunity to meet Premier Zhu in Beijing.

Extending warm welcome to Jiang, Tarlev briefed Jiang on the domestic situation of Moldova, saying that Moldova has gained the best opportunity for economic and social development in the wake of the general election early this year. He said that his government will make every effort to revitalize its economy.

Tarlev described China as an example for Moldova, saying it will learn from the experience of China. He said Jiang's visit will push forward bilateral relations to grow in a more pragmatic way.

Jiang noted that bilateral relations have been developing very smoothly since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 10 years ago, adding that the leaders of the two countries have maintained contacts and exchanges and cooperation between the competent departments of the two countries in various fields have constantly expanded. He said that he held talks with President Voronin on the very morning, during which they have reached extensive consensus on how to further develop bilateral relations. He went on to say that the joint statement signed by the two sides has laid down the guiding principles for the development of bilateral relations in the new century, adding that he sees even more bright prospects to come for bilateral relations through the visit. He expressed the belief that with the concerted efforts of the two sides, bilateral relations will definitely enjoy long-term, sound and stable development.

Jiang said that the Chinese side attaches great importance to economic cooperation and trade with Moldova and stands ready to work alongside Moldova to promote even greater development of bilateral economic cooperation and trade under the principle of equality and mutual benefit. He noted that bilateral trade volume has been on the rise in the recent two years, adding that China hopes that this momentum will be maintained.

Jiang said that Moldova has made unremitting efforts to uphold its national sovereignty and territorial integrity and to revitalize and develop its economy. He expressed the belief that though still faced with some difficulties on the road forward, the Moldovian Government will realize the goal of national stability, economic development and improving people's livelihood under the leadership of Tarlev.