Chinese President Jiang Zemin met Monday with foreign celebrities attending the Boao Forum for Asia.

Among the celebrities were former Australian Prime Minister Robert Hawke, former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone, former Filipino President Fidel Ramos and Secretary-General of the forum Ajit Singh.

After the meeting, Jiang had a friendly conversation with Hawke, Yasuhiro, Ramos and Singh.

Jiang said Hawke and Ramos are two initiators of the forum, and Japan also joined the launching of the event.

He said the smooth opening of the forum demonstrates their far- sightedness.

Jiang also congratulated Singh on assuming the position of Secretary-General of the forum.

Ramos said he was glad to attend the forum, adding that the event will be of vital importance for the economic and social development of the Philippines.

Hawke said China had been the first choice for the venue of the event when they were considering establishing the forum, adding that the successful launching of the forum owes much to the support of the Chinese government and the provincial government of Hainan.

Yasuhiro said the forum should be taken good care of after it is established.

Jiang said China has always attached importance to and supported multi-level and multi-channel regional cooperation and dialogue.

He said he believes the forum will be a useful complement to other inter-governmental cooperation mechanisms such as APEC and ASEAN, and meetings between the leaders of China, Japan and the ROK.

Jiang said he hoped that the forum would become a new linkage for dialogue and cooperation in the region, and play a useful role in promoting prosperity and development in Asia.

(People’s Daily 02/27/2001)