As the Estonian President said, relations with China are very important for Estonia, and he is glad that with this visit to China, he can celebrate the tenth anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Estonia forthcoming on September 11. As President Meri said, his first impressions were that Beijing had changed a lot since his state visit seven years ago. The President emphasised that the visit's objective is the strengthening of political and economic co-operation, so that Estonian ports and railways could be used in the best way for both China and Estonia. As a future member of the European Union, Estonia is closely following China's relations with the EU.
Li Peng reiterated that all countries, big and small, rich and poor, must have equal rights to act. For China, Estonia is becoming an attractive foreign trade and transit partner. Li Peng also emphasised that Estonia is a good partner for China especially at the present time when China produces much more than it is able to consume.
President Meri mentioned that China could co-operate with Estonia in oil shale mining and better utilsiation of this natural resource, and expressed his hope that Beijing's wish to become an Olympic city would be fulfilled.
Yesterday, the Estonian delegation had a meeting with Fu Zhihuan, the Chinese Minister of Railways, and Hong Shanxiang, the Minister of Transport. This afternoon, there will be a meeting with the Chinese President Jiang Zemin, who is going to host a dinner in honour of President Meri and Mrs. Helle Meri in the presidential palace tonight.
Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, March 2, 2001
