On January 23, 2002, Vice Premier Qian Qichen met with Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Affairs on Overseas Guinea Bissau People Madame Filomena Mascarenhas Tipote, special envoy of the President of Guinea Bisssau at the Great Hall of the People.

Extending welcome to Tipote, Qian said China and Guinea Bissau's friendship began when the people of Guinea Bissau were struggling for national independence. He noted that bilateral relations have developed steadily and friendly cooperation in many areas has progressed well and yielded positive results since China and Guinea Bissau restored diplomatic ties nearly 4 years ago. He expressed appreciation for Guinea Bissau's One China stance on the Taiwan question. He stressed that China attaches importance to its friendly relations with Guinea Bissau and stands ready to work alongside Guinea Bissau to develop bilateral ties in a healthy and stable way in the new century.

Thanking Qian for meeting with her, Tipote said that the two countries have enjoyed a long history of friendly relations. He noted that the government of Guinea Bissau is determined to improve its relations with China even though the two countries had their differences several years ago. She thanked China for its support of Guinea Bissau in various aspects and wished China prosperity.