He said that soon as Estonia declared independence 10 years ago, the Chinese side gave recognition and established diplomatic relations with it, which shows that China attaches importance to developing relations with Extonia. Ever since then, the two countries have conducted high-level exchanges of visit and are gradually developing cooperation in political, economic, trade and cultural areas. To our great satisfaction, China-Estonia relations have progressed from establishment to gradual maturity and always maintained sound and steady momentum, which is in conformity with the fundamental interest of the two countries and meets the common needs of safeguarding national independence and state sovereignty as well as in developing their respective economy with mutual support and cooperation. Jiang said that China and Estonia, both having suffered from foreign aggression in the past, fully understand the great importance of national independence and state sovereignty. China has always supported Estonia in its efforts to safeguard national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
China holds that all countries, big or small, are equal.
Jiang also expressed appreciation of Estonia's One-China policy on Taiwan and Tibet issues. Meri first thanked President Jiang for inviting him to China again. He said although Estonia is a small country and China a big one, China has always upheld the principle that all nations, regardless of its size are equal. Bilateral ties have witnessed continuous progress on an equal basis and are now at the best period of development. He expressed the belief that his current visit would inject new vitality into the bilateral relations.