On April 15, 2004, Swedish Prime Minister Goran Persson met with Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in Stockholm. The two sides made positive remarks on China-Sweden relations, expressing their willingness to make joint efforts to promote the continuous development of the relations between the two countries.
Persson recollected his visit to China in 1996 with pleasure and highly praised China's achievements in economic and social development and the important role that China has played in international affairs. He said that Sweden and China now have very good bilateral relations. The two countries have witnessed close co-operation in various areas including political affairs, economy and trade, and have maintained sound communication in multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations.
Li said that Sweden was the first western country to establish diplomatic relations with the New China and the Chinese government cherishes its friendship and co-operation with Sweden. The momentum of development of China-Sweden relations remains good with wide prospects for co-operation. Last year the bilateral trade volume exceeded $ 4 billion and a large number of well-known Swedish companies scored considerable achievements in China. The Chinese side encourages enterprises of the two countries to expand mutual co-operation and investment and is willing to work with Sweden to strengthen exchanges and co-operation in various areas such as economy and trade, science and technology, education, culture, tourism and environmental protection.
On the same day, Li also held talks with Swedish Foreign Minister Laila Freivalds. Li said that in order to deepen China-Sweden relations, the two sides should maintain the contacts between top leadership, enhance mutual understanding and strengthen mutual trust. The two sides should expand consensuses and deepen co-operation in line with the principles of mutual respect and treating each other as equals. The two sides should also properly handle major issues of common concern through consultations and dialogues and strengthen China-Sweden relations within the framework of China-EU co-operation. In addition, the two sides should strengthen consultations and coordination with regard to international issues. Freivalds expressed his agreement to Li's opinions and reaffirmed that Sweden would stick to the one-China policy. Li expressed his appreciation about Sweden's stance. The two sides indicated that they would continue to strengthen exchanges and co-operation between the two countries in such areas as political affairs, economy and trade, environmental protection, education and human rights.