On the evening of May 24, Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan met with foreign ministers attending the third ASEM. Tang extended welcome to the foreign ministers on behalf of the Chinese government and briefed them on the agenda and schedule of the meeting. Tang said that since the establishment of ASEM, all the parties have conducted diversified dialogue and exchanges on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit which has helped to deepen mutual understanding and expand cooperation, thus making important contributions to the friendship between Asian and European countries. Tang hoped that this ASEM meeting would focus on the theme of "enhancing Asia-Europe partnership in the new century" and have an in-depth discussion on political dialogue, economic cooperation and trade, cultural exchanges and other areas with the aim to push the further development of Asia-Europe cooperation. The foreign ministers present expressed thanks to the Chinese side for the meticulous arrangements for the ASEM meeting and the belief that through joint efforts, the meeting will be a complete success.

The foreign ministers had political dialogue after the meeting with Tang. They had an in-depth exchange of views and reached broad consensus on the current international situation, political and security issues in Asia and Europe, how to strengthen the role of the UN, disarmament and arms control, the Korean Peninsula and other issues.