On November 15, Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong met in the Great Hall of the People with President of East Timor Xanana Gusmao, who was here in Beijing to attend 2005 Global Business Leaders' Forum and both sides exchanged views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common interest.

Zeng conveyed cordial greetings from President Hu Jintao, who was on foreign visits, to Xanana and expressed congratulations for the achievements East Timor has made in realizing national reconciliation, safeguarding social stability and promoting economic growth since its founding 3 years ago.

Zeng made positive comments on bilateral relations. He said that both sides share a profound traditional friendship and since the establishment of diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have entered a new development period. Both sides have witnessed close high-level exchanges and shown mutual trust and support for each other in the political area. They have also continuously expanded exchanges and cooperation in the areas of economy, trade and health and maintained sound communication and coordination in international and regional affairs. Zeng indicated that the Chinese government attaches great importance to relations with East Timor and would like to continue strongly advancing friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas in the policy of "treating neighbors well and as partners".

Zeng highly appreciated East Timor for resolutely pursuing the one-China policy.

Xanana agreed with Zeng's comments on bilateral relations. He indicated that the government and people of East Timor hold friendly feelings towards China and the government of East Timor attaches great importance to developing friendly relations with China. East Timor would like to strengthen cooperation with China in the areas of economy, trade and resources exploitation and steadily push for development of bilateral relations.