On the afternoon of April 24, 2002, President Jiang Zemin held talks with visiting President Laurent Gbagbo of Cote d'Ivoire at the Great Hall of the People. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common concern and reached broad consensus.

Jiang welcomed Gbagbo to China, and expressed the belief that his current visit will deepen the friendship between the two countries and peoples and push bilateral friendly relations and cooperation into a new stage.

Jiang said that though China and Cote d'Ivoire are separated by far, they have maintained close and friendly exchanges since they established diplomatic relations 20 years ago. China-Cote d'Ivoire relations has always developed in a sound and stable manner, with bilateral cooperation productive in all fields. The two countries also supported and coordinated with each other in international affairs. Jiang appreciates Gbagbo's upholding of a friendly policy towards China and paying attention to developing relations with China. Jiang also thanked Cote d'Ivoire for its aherence to the One China policy, support of China's reunification cause and precious support provided to China on human rights and other major issues. Jiang reaffirmed that China attaches importance to China-Cote d'Ivoire friendship, and would like to work with Cote d'Ivoire to bring China-Cote d'Ivoire friendly relations to a new high.

On bilateral economic relations, Jiang said that in the principle of equality, mutual benefits, and common development, China and Cote d'Ivoire have conducted sincere, friendly and productive cooperation in economic and trade fields. China is satisfied with that. The joint economic and trade commission established in December last year has become a driving force behind the development of bilateral economic and trade relations. The Chinese government will continue to provide assistance to Cote d'Ivoire within its capacity, actively supports and encourages well-positioned and well known Chinese enterprises to conduct diverse forms of mutually beneficial cooperation in Cote d'Ivoire, and promote bilateral economic relations and trade to a new high.

Jiang briefed Gbagbo on China's views on the African situation and the follow-up actions of China-Africa Cooperation Forum meeting. He said that at present, follow-up actions of the forum are progressing smoothly. China has signed with more than 30 African countries, including Cote d'Ivoire, agreements on reduction of some due debts, strengthened cooperation in human resources development, and launched cooperation in tourism, environmental protection, finance and other new areas. At present, China and Africa maintain close consultation on the next senior officials' meeting and ministerial meeting to be held in Ethiopia this year and next year.

Gbagbo expressed gladness at the opportunity to visit China. He praised China as an example of developing countries and admired the great achievements made by China in its economic and social development.

Gbagbo thanked China for its sincere assistance provided to Cote d'Ivoire for a long time. He said that China has provided generous support to Cote d'Ivoire in agricultural, water resources, energy, machinery, pharmaceutical and mining fields, and conducted productive cooperation with Cote d'Ivoire in other fields. Cote d'Ivoire-China friendly relations and cooperation have been deepening. Gbagbo said that the government of Cote d'Ivoire cherishes friendship with China. It is believed that with joint efforts, Cote d'Ivoire-China friendship will bear more fruitful results.

Gbagbo reaffirmed that the One China policy is a consistent staunch position of Cote d'Ivoire and expressed the belief that Taiwan will return to the motherland like Hong Kong and Macao. Gbagbo congratulated China on its entry into the WTO.

After the talks, Jiang and Gbagbo attended a signing ceremony of two documents on loan provision and cooperation on high learning and scientific research.