On the morning of June 14, 2002, visiting President Jiang Zemin held a talk with Icelandic President Olafur Grimsson at the president's residence. The two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations.

Grimsson welcomed Jiang for his visit to Iceland. He said that Jiang's visit manifests the good relationship between China and Iceland since the establishment of the diplomatic relations three decades ago, and will also lay a foundation for the further strengtherning of the bilateral cooperation in the new century.

Jiang said to Grimsson that he appreciates the efforts made by the Icelandic government and its people for his visit. He said that he hopes to exchange views on issues of common concern during this visit and feels glad to make broad contact with people from different circles of Iceland to increase mutual understanding.

With regard to bilateral relations, Jiang pointed out that China and Iceland have seen continuous development of friendly relations in the past thirty years. In the recent years in particular, the two sides have maintained the momentum of high-level visits, which has promoted cooperation in all fields. There are differences in some aspects, but no fundamental conflicts of interests between the two countries. In the current complicated and changing international context, China and Iceland share the same or similar views and broad interests on major international issues. Each country has its own features in many aspects and the two can learn from each other. For more mutual understanding, the two countries should continue increasing their exchanges, including high-level visits and exchanges at other levels. Jiang also said that cooperation in the fields of trade and economy, science and technology should be expanded following the principles of mutual benefit with a far-sighted view.

President Olafur Grimsson said Iceland attaches great importance to China's role and influence in international affairs, and is willing to expand exchanges and cooperation with China in culture, economy, trade, fishing industry, geothermal energy utilization and tourism as well as other economic sectors. He also briefed Jiang on the social and economic development of Iceland in the recent years and its external policies.