Chinese President Jiang Zemin met in Beijing Monday evening with the president of Harvard University, Lawrence Summers, and his party.

After extending welcome to the US guests, President Jiang spoke of his visit to Harvard University in 1997, and said he greatly valued Harvard's contribution to the increase in mutual understanding between the Chinese and American people.

Jiang also briefed Summers and other American guests on China's education reform, the latest achievements in education and challenges his country faces in the future.

He noted that educational exchanges between China and the United States have a great potential and might also help push forward the Sino-US relations.

Summers said that Harvard and its Chinese counterparts have very good cooperation, which continues on.

Education, especially higher education, would help China with its still greater achievements in the future, he said, hoping that his university will continue to contribute in this regard.

(Xinhua News Agency May 14, 2002)