On September 14, 2001, Premier Zhu Rongji met with Kyrgyz Prime Minister Kurmanbek Bakiyev on the sidelines of the first summit of the six prime ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Zhu said that relations between China and Kyrgyzstan, two traditional good neighbors, have developed smoothly since they set up diplomatic ties, and bilateral cooperation in various fields has strengthened. The two countries have improved mutual trust in the political field and have solved the border issue completely. Trade between the two countries has increased steadily, with bilateral economic cooperation already started. China will continue to steadfastly support the efforts of Kyrgyzstan in safeguarding state sovereignty, independence and security. He hopes that relevant departments and enterprises of the two countries increase contacts and exchanges so as to explore new fields and projects for bilateral cooperation and open up new prospect in China-Kyrgyz friendly cooperation.

Bakiyev thanked Zhu for the meeting. He said that Kyrgyzstan is celebrating its 10th anniversary of independence. It has received Chinese support and assistance since the very day of its independence. Bilateral friendly relations and cooperation has maintained good momentum. China ranks among the priorities in the external relations of Kyrgyzstan. The Kyrgyz government attaches great importance to its good-neighborly and friendly relations with China and is ready to further develop friendly economic and trade cooperation between the two countries so as to bring bilateral relations in all areas to a higher level.