On June 17, 2005, when meeting with visiting Assistant Foreign Minister of China Lv Guozeng, Eritrean President Isaias noted Eritrea attaches great importance to the friendship with China. Eritrea-China relationship is based upon the history, oriented toward the future and of strategic significance. He said Eritrea appreciates China for the long-term help and supports and is willing to deepen the cooperation with China in such fields as economy, technology, trade, investment and strengthen consultations and coordination between the two sides in international affairs. Isaias asked Lv to convey his greetings to President Hu Jintao.

Lv Guozeng conveyed President Hu Jintao's heartfelt greetings to Isaias. He said China enjoys good relationship with Eritrea. Mr. President's successful visit to China not long ago has deepened the friendship and cooperation between the two countries. China gives priority to developing the relationship with Eritrea and is willing to continue to help Eritrea as far as China's capacity allows, expand the bilateral economic and trade relations and the investment cooperation and strengthen bilateral consultations in international and African affairs.

Later Assistant Foreign Minister Lv Guozeng met with Yemane, head of the Political Affairs of the People's Front for Democracy & Justice (PFDJ) which is the ruling political party of Eritrea, and both sides held talks on strengthening China-Eritrea friendly and cooperative relations.

On June 16, Lv arrived at Asmara and begun his working visit to Eritrea at invitation. During his visit, Lv exchanged opinions with the Eritrean side on the bilateral relations and international affairs of common concern.