On November 8, Premier Zhu Rongji met with Amien Rais, Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly, and Akbar Tanjung, Speaker of the House of Representative, separately at the Indonesian parliament in a friendly atmosphere.

Zhu expressed the gladness to meet with Amien and Tanjung, and conveyed to them the cordial greetings from Chairman Li Peng of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress.

Zhu said that during the 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, bilateral relations have undergone ups and downs. However, friendly cooperation has always been the mainstream. Both China and Indonesia are big developing countries with major influence on world peace and development and the same position on many major international and regional issues. Under new circumstances, the two countries should enhance friendly cooperation and make due contributions to maintaining the interests of developing countries and regional and world peace.

Zhu said that his current visit is fruitful. He exchanged views with President Megawati Soekarnoputri on how to deepen all-round cooperation between China and Indonesia and they reached wide consensus. Zhu stressed that no matter what changes would take place in the regional and international situation, China will remain a good friend to Indonesia and will support its efforts to maintain its sovereignty, territorial integrity and economic recovery.

Zhu expressed gladness at Indonesia’s recent achievements in its economic development. He said that although Indonesia still faces certain difficulties, the Indonesian people can unite to make their country a better one under the leadership of President Megawati. China is ready to provide support and assistance within its capacity in Indonesia’s development.

Zhu said that parliamentary exchanges between China and Indonesia are an important part of bilateral relations, playing an important role in promoting bilateral relations. Since the resumption of diplomatic relations, there has been more exchange of visits between parliamentary leaders of the two countries, with expanding friendly exchanges between subcommittees. We continue to support the two parliaments in promoting exchanges and achieving more contribution to the all-round development of bilateral ties in the new century.

Amien and Tanjung extended a warm welcome to Zhu for his formal visit to Indonesia and both regarded his visit as a landmark in the bilateral relations.

They agreed with Zhu on his assessment of bilateral relations and stressed the friendship between Indonesia and China dates back to a long time ago. They said that bilateral relations have witnessed some ups and downs, but the two peoples are friendly towards each other. The bilateral relations have witnessed satisfactory improvement through concerted efforts by both sides and boast a prosperous future. The Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly and House of Representative attach great importance to developing relations with China. Ever since Indonesia adopted reform, it is looking forward to strengthening friendly cooperation with China.

They emphasized that the talks between Premier Zhu and President Megawati Soekarnoputri are very successful. The two sides signed a series of important agreements. The Indonesian people are satisfied with that and sincerely thank China for its consistent support of Indonesia’s just cause and economic development. The Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly and House of Representative highly appreciate China’s great achievements in reform and opening up and would like to send delegations to China to further enhance bilateral mutual understanding and friendship.