In the photo session Hu said he was pleased to meet Powell again after their good discussions last April in the United States, which impressed him very much.

Hu said he heard Powell had a good discussion with Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan earlier in the morning.

Powell said it was a pleasure to see Hu again and congratulated him on his election as the general secretary of the CPC Central Committee.

He also expressed his congratulations on the upcoming convening of China's National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

He and Tang had very good talks Monday morning, Powell said. Now, he met Tang almost once every week.

Powell conveyed the greetings of US President George W. Bush and Vice-President Dick Cheney. Cheney will visit China this April.

Hu said he was looking forward to Cheney's visit.

Powell also said he would take Hu to the New York City to eat hot dogs together if Hu visits the United States again.

Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan held talks with Powell earlier Monday morning.

Powell arrived in Beijing Sunday afternoon as Tang's guest.

(Xinhua News Agency February 24, 2003)