President Jiang Zemin met with Malaysian President Mahathir on the sideline of the 8th Informal Leadership Meeting of APEC at the hotel that he was staying on the morning of Nov. 15, 2000.


President Jiang expressed pleasure of meeting with Mahathir again. He said China is very glad to see that all East Asian countries, including Malaysia, have overcome the financial crisis and showed strong signs of recovery.


Mahathir said he is delighted to exchange views with Jiang on the common issues facing both countries. He went on to say that the economies in East Asia have indeed recovered and the Malaysian economy has fully recovered, adding that the measures that have been taken to deal with the crisis have been broadly accepted and the region will witness even greater economic growth in the future.


Jiang briefed Mahathir on China's current economic situation, stressing that facts have proven that the policy adopted by China of keep its currency stable amidst the financial crisis is completely correct. He also briefed Mahathir on China's strategy of developing its western area and the future socioeconomic development program. He said that overseas investment is more than welcome in the western area.


Mahathir said that as China's strategy of developing its western area unfolds, that area will surely enjoy rapid development, adding that Malaysia also hopes to make investment in the region.


On the China-Malaysia relations, Jiang said bilateral ties are good and the two countries' cooperation in all fields has ushered in a new period of all-round development. He expressed satisfaction over the good momentum of bilateral relations and appreciation to Mahathir for his contribution to the growth of the China-Malaysia ties over the years.


Mahathir said that there is no problem in the relationship between Malaysia and China. Bilateral ties have grown closer and their economic cooperation has been further enhanced. The two countries share similar or identical views on many major issues. He strongly believed that Malaysia-China ties have broad prospects for development.