On April 2, 2002, President Jiang Zemin met with visiting European Union (EU) Commissioner for External Relations Christopher Patten at Zhongnanhai.

Jiang welcomed Patten to China and spoke highly of China-EU relations. He said that China and the EU are enjoying their best relations ever in history. The two sides are sharing more and more common views on international issues. Economic and trade cooperation has been expanded and exchanges in cultural and scientific fields promoted between the two sides.

Jiang pointed out that China always regards its relations with the EU from a strategic height and long-term perspective. The world is colorful. Both China and Europe have a long-term history and splendid culture, and should get along well with each other. The two sides should further cooperate in all fields, and push forward their all-round partnership to develop in a long-term and stable manner.

Patten thanked Jiang for the meeting. He agreed to Jiang's view on relations between the EU and China. He said that China has one quarter of the population of the world, and its progress benefits the EU and the world as a whole. He called the cooperation between the EU and China a good example of international cooperation, saying that enhancing exchanges with China is a correct choice of the EU.