On the morning of December 30, 2002, President Jiang Zemin met with German Chancellor Schroeder at Zhongnanhai.

Making reference to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties, Jiang said that, in the past three decades, the two nations have treated each other in a respectful and honest manner. He said that the two countries also sympathize with and support each other on major issues of principle, including the achievement of their respective national reunification, and this has generated a profound sentiment of friendship.

Jiang said that Germany is one of the most important partners of China in Europe. In the recent years bilateral relations have seen rapid growth, with more and more frequent exchanges and closer cooperation, while consultation and coordination in international affairs continue to intensify.  

Referring to the hospitality accorded by the German side during his April visit to Germany, Jiang said that he and Schroeder reached consensus on maintaining the exchange of high-level visits, expanding cooperation in various fields, and promoting cultural and personnel exchanges. He said that Sino-German exchanges and cooperation in the fields of trade, science, technology, culture, education, law and environmental protection have made great progress.

Jiang noted that it is not only in the fundamental interests of China and Germany, both influential countries in the region and in the world, but also conducive to world peace and stability, to further exchanges and cooperation in all fields between the two countries, as well as to enhance consultation and coordination within the framework of the United Nations.  

Schroeder said he agrees with President Jiang's appraisals on Germany-China relations, noting that the German people still remember and think highly of Jiang's April visit to Germany.

Schroeder pointed out that Germany and China share common interests in the political, economic and cultural sectors. He stated that current relations between the two nations are very good and that the German people greatly appreciate the Chinese people's wisdom and their fascinating culture. He also expressed the hope that the bilateral relationship will continue to advance and deepen.
    
The two leaders also briefed each other on their respective countries' domestic circumstances during their meeting. In an allusion to the recently-concluded 16th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Jiang stressed that China will persist in its policies of reform and opening-up, which will, by no means, be changed.

Congratulating Jiang on the success of the 16th Party Congress, Schroeder said China's continuity in its policies will play an important role in furthering its relations with other countries, which the German side greatly appreciates.

He briefed Jiang on Germany's economic situation.