On the afternoon of February 5th, President Jiang Zemin held talks with King Mohammed VI of Morocco at the Great Hall of the People. The two sides exchanged opinions and achieved extensive concert on issues concerning bilateral relations and other major international and regional issues of common interest in a cordial and friendly atmosphere.

Jiang extended a warm welcome to King Mohammad and expressed pleasure of meeting him again in Beijing. Jiang said King Mohammad is the first king of Morocco to visit China since the two countries established diplomatic relations 44 years ago, and his current visit is a new milestone in the development of bilateral relations.

Jiang evaluated Sino-Moroccan relations by saying that the friendship between the two countries runs a long course from a remote course. The two peoples have constantly sympathized for and supported each other in the long-term fight for national independence and liberation, for safeguarding sovereignty and dignity of their own countries and for promoting of the world peace and development. The two countries have undergone mutually beneficial cooperation based on sincerity, friendliness and equality. Jiang said that while reviewing the history, both sides set the direction for the development of bilateral relations in the 21st century in a strategic perspective with an eye to long- term benefit.

Jiang suggested that the two countries should focus their efforts to promote bilateral relations in three areas--- building a long-term, stable, friendly and relationship of cooperation geared to the future, pushing forward cooperation for mutual benefits, and strengthening coordination and negotiation so as to safeguard the interests of developing countries and world peace.

Expressing his appreciation for Morocco's stand of constantly adhering to One China policy, and its support for China in the field of human rights, Jiang spoke highly of the efforts and the achievements that Morocco government and the King himself have made in maintaining political stability, sustainable economic development and people's livelihood in Morocco. He also delivered his earnest wishes that Morocco will advance continuously on national construction.

While addressing the bilateral trade and economic relationship, Jiang emphasized that Chinese government has always attached great importance to the friendly cooperation with Morocco. He said that the channels of bilateral cooperation have been increased and the form of cooperation verified, which have brought about good social and economic benefits to both countries. The Chinese side will work closely with the Morocco side and strengthen the trade and economic cooperation on the principle of equality, mutual benefit and common development.

King Mohammed appreciated President Jiang's invitation and the warm reception upon his arrival in Beijing. He praised the great achievements China has made, saying that China has experienced earthshaking changes compared with that ten years ago when he paid the first visit to China

Speaking highly of bilateral relations, King Mohammad said both have maintained long-term friendly relationship while sharing a common stand on many international issues and keeping close consultation on many international occasions. He said the Morocco side is willing to strengthen the cooperation with China in various fields and to learn from each other so as to push forward the bilateral relations

King Mohammad introduced Morocco's perspective on the Middle East issue. He said that since the peace process in the Middle East goes in an impasse, China can play an active role in helping the parties concerned to break the deadlock so as to reach a resolution and to restart the peace process as soon as possible.

Jiang thanked the King for his introduction. He emphasized that the key to the Middle East issue is the rational resolution of the issue of Palestine, the recovery of the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people and the return of the Arabian territory. He said the principle of "land for peace"cannot be abandoned. He noted that China has consistently supported the efforts of the Arab countries to recover their land and the efforts made by the Palestinian people to regain their legitimate national rights. Jiang said China is ready to maintain regular contact and consultation with Morocco and other Arab countries in a bid to play an active role in pushing for an early resolution of the Middle East issue. Jiang appreciated Morocco's distinct constructive role in keeping the stability in Middle East and advancing the peace process in the long term.

The two sides also exchanged views on other international and regional issues such as cracking down terrorism, Sino-African relationship and Sino-African Cooperation Forum.

After the talks, President Jiang and King Mohammed VI witnessed the signing ceremony of four agreements, including the agreement on economic and technological cooperation and one exchange of letters.