On September 6, Premier Zhu Rongji, who was paying a formal visit to Belgium, met with Belgian King Albert II in Laeken castle. The two sides held warm and friendly talks.

Zhu first conveyed cordial greetings from President Jiang Zemin to King Albert II, adding that he was pleased to visit Belgium on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the founding of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Zhu remarked that cooperation in various areas between the two countries has made great progress since he visited the country last year. Bilateral trade increased rapidly and exchanges in the fields of science, technology, education and culture became more active. On the 5th, he and leaders of the European Union (EU) had an in-depth exchange of views on promoting all-round and friendly cooperation between the EU and China. The EU attaches great importance to developing relations with China and China will respond to EU's initiatives. Zhu expressed his confidence that China's relations with all EU members, including Belgium, will be continuously promoted to a new high.

The King asked Zhu to convey his cordial greetings to President Jiang Zemin. He also congratulated China on its successful bidding for hosting the 2008 Olympics. He assured Zhu that Belgium would support China in hosting the world games. The King happily recalled his two visits to China and expressed his belief that Belgium-China friendship has taken root in the heart of the people. He said he hoped that China's accession to the World Trade Organization would give a boost to Belgium-China bilateral trade so that Belgium-China friendly cooperation will bring more benefits to the people of the two countries.

Zhu, on behalf of President Jiang Zemin, invited King Albert II to visit China, and the King accepted the invitation with gladness.