On the afternoon of March 30, 2004, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Abdul Qader Bajammal, Prime Minister of the Republic of Yemen, at the Great Hall of the People.

Hu said the people of China and Yemen have lived in amity for a long time. In recent years, bilateral relations between the two countries have witnessed new developments, with areas of cooperation continuously expanding, and the two sides have supported and cooperated with each other closely in international affairs. Hu stressed China and Yemen are friends of "all weather" that share strong mutual trust. China attaches great importance to developing friendly relations of cooperation with Yemen and is willing to make joint and continuous efforts with Yemen to explore new areas and channels of expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in the context of changed situations, enhance friendship and mutual trust, and boost exchanges and cooperation in pursuit of well-being for the two countries and peoples. Hu also made positive remarks on the achievements by the Yemeni people in their nation-building under the leadership of President Ali Abdullah Saleh after the reunification of Yemen and on the important role of Yemen in regional affairs and in its efforts to safeguard the unity of and cooperation between the Arab states.

When speaking of China-Yemen relations, Hu said, as a good friend of the Arab states, China sincerely hopes that the Arab states will enhance their unity and cooperation and work together to cope with new tasks and challenges so as to safeguard the rights and interests of the Arab states and play an even greater role in regional and international affairs.

Bajammal conveyed the cordial greetings to Hu Jintao by Yemeni President Saleh. He said the government and people of China have rendered precious support and assistance to Yemen for a long period of time. This visit has made it possible for the delegation to feel the friendly feeling borne by the Chinese people toward the Yemeni people. Yemen hopes to further expand cooperation with China in politics, economy, trade, tourism and education on the basis of mutual benefit, and the door of Yemen is open to businesses of China. Bajammal highly complimented the active role by China in maintaining world peace and promoting development, expressing special thanks to China for its consistent support for the righteous cause of the Arab people.