On September 14, 2001, Vice-President Hu Jintao met with Singaporean President S.R. Nathan at the Great Hall of the People.

Hu extended a warm welcome to Nathan’s another visit to China. He said that in the past 10 years of bilateral diplomatic ties, there have been close contacts between the leaders of the two countries and also at various levels, and bilateral economic and trade cooperation has been expanding. Both sides have conducted extensive exchanges and cooperation in personnel training, science, technology, culture and education. The two countries have also maintained good coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs, with which the Chinese side is satisfied.

Pointing to the complementarity between the two sides, he said that it is the consistent policy of the Chinese government to strengthen bilateral cooperation so as to realize common development. The Chinese side will make concerted efforts with Singapore to actively implement all tasks put forward in the Joint Statement on Bilateral Cooperation Between China and Singapore and further bilateral cooperation of mutual benefit so as to achieve a lasting China-Singapore good-neighborly and friendly relationship.

Hu said that China has always been an important force in safeguarding peace and stability in Asia. China's reform, opening-up and modernization drive requires a peaceful and stable neighboring and international environment. China firmly abides by an Asia policy focusing on good neighborliness, friendship and cooperation. China will continue to develop friendly relations with its neighbors on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence. Meanwhile, China will continue to push forward the development of its good-neighborly partnership of mutual trust with the ASEAN countries, and promote cooperation with all parties in agriculture, human resources development, information, telecommunications and exploration of the Mekong River. China will also support and cooperate closely with the ASEAN countries in international and regional affairs in a bid to make positive contributions to safeguarding regional peace and  stability and promoting common development.

Nathan expressed gladness to meet with Hu. He first conveyed cordial greetings from the Singaporean leaders and people. He said that since the two countries forged diplomatic ties, bilateral relations, with joint efforts from both sides, have witnessed a sound development and laid a good foundation. It is imperative for the two countries to further their cooperation in all fields so as to cope with new changes in international situations. The Singaporean side hopes that the younger generations and young leaders of the two countries will strengthen their friendly relations and make concerted efforts for the future friendship of the two sides. Singapore will further strengthen bilateral reciprocal cooperation in all fields of common interest, especially in the development of human resources and the new- and high-tech fields. Singapore is full of confidence about the future of bilateral relations.

Nathan also pointed to the fact that China, one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, shoulders major responsibilities for safeguarding world peace and stability. China's rapid development in the past years merits appreciation and is benefiting the region and the world. The stability and prosperity in Asia would not be possibl