On the afternoon of December 29, 2003, President Hu Jintao met with US President's Special Envoy James Baker, former US Secretary of State, at the Great Hall of the People. The two sides held talks on friendly terms.



Hu said that as two big countries of great influence in the world, China and the US should maintain frequent exchanges and close communication and consultation on international and regional issues to foster the development of a constructive partnership and world peace and stability. Hu noted that the prompt restoration of peace and stability and reconstruction of Iraq is in the interests of countries in the region including Iraq and the common aspiration of the international community. He said that China is willing to join hands with the international community to make further efforts to this end.



Baker briefed Hu on the US' position on the reconstruction of Iraq. He said that China-US relations have made major progress in the recent years and the two countries cooperated well on issues such as Iraq and the DPRK nuclear issue. Baker said the reconstruction process would benefit the Iraqi people and help achieve regional peace, which would also serve the common interests of the US and China. He hoped that China would join the US to solve the Iraqi debt issue.



Hu also reiterated China's principles and position on Taiwan.