On October 20, President Jiang Zemin met with Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien in Shanghai.

Chretien expressed his pleasure to come to China again, saying  that this is his 14th meeting with Jiang.

Jiang described Chretien as an "old friend" and said they had met on many bilateral and international occasions. Chretien said facts have proven that Canada's decision to forge diplomatic ties with China 30 years ago is correct.

Jiang noted that  the Sino-Canadian ties have maintained a good momentum of rapid  development in recent years, featured by the fruitful cooperation  in various areas including politics, trade and economy, education, science and technology,  and culture and judicial affairs. China values its relations with Canada, and is ready to make concerted efforts with the Canadian side to further strengthen the bilateral cooperation in the new century.

When exchanging views on issues related to the ongoing APEC meetings, Jiang said that APEC is one of the most important forums for economic cooperation in the Asia Pacific region. China hopes, through this year's APEC meetings, to further push ahead the APEC cooperation process. Chretien shared Jiang's view in this regard.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the international situation and some other issues of common concern.