On the afternoon of May 17, 2002, President Jiang Zemin met with visiting Bahrain Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa Bin Sulman Al-khalifa at the Great Hall of People.

Jiang warmly welcomed Khalifa to China. He said that Khalifa held good talks with Premier Zhu Rongji. He is confident that the visit would boost mutual understanding between the two countries and the two peoples and open a new chapter in bilateral friendly relations in all fields.

Jiang said that since the two countries established diplomatic relations 13 years ago, China and Bahrain have had friendly and fruitful cooperation in the political, trade and economic, and cultural fields. Both China and Bahrain are developing countries and dedicated to reform and development. In today's world, the international situation is undergoing complicated changes. It is in the fundamental interests of both countries to strengthen bilateral cooperation. China is willing to expand and deepen friendly relations and cooperation with Bahrain in all fields on the basis of mutual respect, equality and reciprocity so as to benefit the two peoples.

Jiang said that led by King Sheikh Hamad Bin Isa Al-khalifa, the government and people of Bahrain have steadily pushed forward political and economic reform, promoted a diversified economy, improved people's living standard and made remarkable achievements. While pursuing a good-neighborly and friendly foreign policy, Bahrain played an active role in safeguarding peace and stability in the Gulf region. China highly appreciates that and wishes Bahrain new achievements on its road to development in the future.

Khalifa first conveyed cordial greetings to President Jiang and the Chinese people from King Sheikh Hamad and the Bahrain people. He thanked the Chinese government for the warm reception accorded him. He said that this is his first visit to China. The achievements made by China in social and economic developments have deeply impressed him. He said that developing relations with China is the common wish of Bahrain and other Gulf countries. The main purpose of his visit is to convey to Chinese leaders Bahrain's wish to further strengthen relations with China. He had good meetings with Chinese leaders in the past two days. The visit is very successful. He wished Bahrain-China friendly relations would achieve new developments.

Khalifa invited Jiang to visit Bahrain on behalf of King Sheikh Hamad. Jiang expressed thanks and asked Khalifa to conveyed his cordial greetings and good wishes to King Sheikh Hamad.