On July 2, 2002, President Jiang Zemin cordially met with visiting Mauritian Prime Minister Anerood Jugnaut at Zhongnanhai.

Jiang welcomed Jugnaut for his visit to China after his previous visit 11 years ago and said he is glad to meet him again. Jiang voiced his appreciation of Jugnauth's contributions to the development of Sino-Mauritian relations, pointing to Jugnauth's past visits to China as an old friend of the Chinese people. Jiang said that the current visit coincides with the 30th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, therefore, it is a special moment in the history of bilateral relations. Seeing that Prime Minister Jugnaut and Premier Zhu Rongji held a fruitful talk on the previous day, Jiang believes this visit is bound to further promote bilateral friendship and cooperation.

Jiang said that although China and Mauritius are far apart geographically and have different social systems and conditions, the two countries have been friendly towards each other for a long time, respected and treated each other as equals. Jiang highlighted the frequent exchange of high-level visits, personnel contacts in various fields, fruitful cooperation in such sectors as the economy, trade and culture, strengthening consultations and cooperation in international affairs, and the steady development of bilateral relations. China will work with Mauritius to actively explore new avenues for bilateral cooperation to ensure the continuous, sound and smooth progress of bilateral ties. He stressed that the Chinese government has always encouraged Chinese people in Mauritius to abide by its laws and customs, taken active part in the country's economic development and play a positive role in its economic growth.

Jugnauth said that he is visiting China at a special time, which is the 30 th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and a major event in the development of bilateral ties. He recalled his successful talks yesterday with Premier Zhu Rongji, during which they exchanged views on furthering bilateral relations. He also mentioned the cooperative agreements signed between the two countries and their economic and trade mixed committee meeting convened during this visit. He said this visit is proving very successful and would certainly boost bilateral ties.

Jugnauth expressed his satisfaction with the steady growth of bilateral relations and his appreciation for China's sincere assistance in the past 30 years which has played an important role in Mauritius' economic development. Jugnauth said that the two countries have effectively cooperated in such fields as the economy, technology and culture, noting that Mauritius would further widen the range of bilateral exchanges and boost bilateral relations.

Jugnauth congratulated China on its great economic and social progress and its entry into the World Trade Organization. He also invited Jiang to visit Mauritius at a convenient time, to which Jiang expressed his thanks.