On October 19, President Jiang Zemin met with New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Elizabeth Clark in Shanghai.

Clark recalled her meeting with Jiang during her China visit in April, which she said left a deep impression on her.

Clark said she had read Jiang's speech at the APEC CEO Summit, in which Jiang stressed the importance of launching a new round of World Trade Organization (WTO) talks. The prime minister said she was glad that China can join the WTO before the start of the new round of WTO talks.

Clark said that China has made good preparations for APEC meetings. She said she was confident these meetings will achieve positive results.

Jiang welcomed Clark to Shanghai for the APEC meeting. He expressed hope that this year's Economic Leaders Meeting, with the concerted efforts from all member economies, will make due contributions to the world economic development.

The Chinese government has always attached importance to its relations with New Zealand. China is willing to make joint efforts with New Zealand in promoting the steady and sound development of the two countries' relations of cooperation in an all-round way.