On the afternoon of April 23, 2001, Czech Prime Minister Milos Zeman met with visiting Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan at the Government House. Zeman extended welcome to Tang and asked Tang to forward his cordial greetings to Premier Zhu Rongji, for which Tang expressed his gratitude. Tang also conveyed the cordial greetings and good wishes of Premier Zhu to Prime Minister Zeman.

Tang said that different national conditions between China and Czech have not hindered the development of bilateral ties, noting that Czech is one of the earliest batch of countries which recognized and established diplomatic ties with China, which the Chinese people will never forget. He added that the relations between the two countries have enjoyed constant development in the past 50-plus years by respecting each other and seeking common ground while reserving differences. Tang recalled that His Excellency Prime Minister Zeman paid a very successful visit to China in 1999, which has played an important role in enhancing mutual understanding and friendship and promoting the development of bilateral relations. The Joint Communiqué issued by the two governments has laid a solid foundation for bilateral cooperation in all areas. Tang also expressed appreciation for the attention attached by Prime Minister Zeman and the Czech government to relations with China and their efforts in promoting mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

Zeman happily recalled his visit to China in 1999, adding that the Czech government attaches great importance to developing ties with China and has all along maintained that there are no outstanding political issues yet to be resolved between the two countries. He noted that the two countries have all the reason to further augment their friendly cooperation and exchange in all areas. He said that the Czech side stands ready to join efforts with China to explore new ways of furthering bilateral economic cooperation and trade, adding that the hearts of the Czech people are open to the Chinese people. Zeman reiterated that the Czech government adheres to the One China principle and respects the territorial integrity of China.

Tang expressed appreciation for Zeman's reiteration of the adherence of One China principle. He pointed out that the Chinese government and people have all along respected the choice of development path made by the Czech people and are very happy to see the achievements scored by Czech in developing its economy and improving its people's living standards. He noted that China is willing to see Czech play an even more active role in regional and international affairs and stands ready to work alongside Czech to actively explore new ways of conducting economic cooperation and trade between the two countries. He said that China will help the business communities of the two countries to further their exchanges and cooperation, adding that China will actively promote the steady and sound development of China-Czech friendly relations and cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and non-interference into each other's internal affairs.

Tang paid the official visit to Czech at the invitation of Czech Foreign Minister Kavan. On the very morning, Tang held talks with Kavan, during which they exchanged views and reached extensive consensus on bilateral relations and major issues of mutual concern in a candid and in-depth manner.

On the afternoon of the same day, Tang called on Chairman Pithart of the Czech Senate.