Powell Remarks: Chinese Party Leader Hu Jintao

Remarks with Chinese Party Leader Hu Jintao at their Meeting

Secretary Colin L. Powell Great Hall of the People Beijing, China February 24, 2003

HU JINTAO: Mr. Secretary, it gives me great pleasure to meet with you again. I had a very good discussion with you last April when I was visiting your country and that visit has left me a very deep impression. And I still remember vividly that during our the last time we met, you offered to show me around the old city area of New York City and invited me to have some hot dogs on the street the next time I visit the United States. I am looking forward to that day.

I was told that just now that you had very good discussions with Foreign Minister Tang. I would like to listen to your views.

SECRETARY POWELL: Thank you very much Mr. Vice President. It is a great pleasure to see you again and to be back in Beijing. Since this is my first opportunity to do so, let me congratulate you on your election to General Secretary and we all look forward to the meeting of the National People Congress later this week.

The Minister I did have good discussions this morning. We have been having good discussions every week for the last three weeks. We ve spent a lot of time together. I also bring you greetings from President Bush and from Vice President Cheney, who is looking forward to his visit here in April. And I still leave open sir the offer of a hot dog in New York. It might be harder the next time, I don t know.

HU JINTAO: Mr. Secretary, thank you very much for bringing to me greetings from President Bush and Vice President Cheney. I am also looking forward to the forthcoming visit by Vice President Cheney to China. [End]

Released on February 24, 2003

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