On August 21, 2003, Premier Wen Jiabao meets Romanian President Ion Iliescu.

Wen pointed out that during more than half a century of diplomatic relations, despite vicissitudes in the international situation, bilateral relations have maintained a good momentum of development. The joint statement signed by the two heads of state is of great importance and will be a guideline for the future development of Sino-Romanian relations. The Chinese government would like to work with the Romania side to fulfill the consensus reached by the joint document.

On bilateral economic relations and trade, Wen said that since Romanian prime minister's visit to China last April, China had increased imports from Romania. As a result, bilateral trade volume has surged. Under the joint efforts of the two countries, the annual trade volume this year will be a historical record. He emphasized that there is still great potential for Sino-Romanian economic and trade cooperation. In the spirit of complementarity and mutual benefits, the two sides should bring into full play the initiative of the business communities of the two countries and encourage them to conduct all forms of cooperation under conditions of the market economy.

Wen also briefed the guest on the current Chinese economic situation.

Iliescu expressed his views on the road to national development. He said that Romania had been studying the experience of China's development. While achieving rapid economic development, China has maintained social stability. China’s experiences are very important for many other countries. He said that in the past three years, Romania’s economy improved, creating favorable conditions for bilateral economic cooperation and trade. Romania hoped to expand cooperation with China and push forward bilateral relations to a new high.