On April 10, 2008, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with visiting Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Hamad Bin Jasim Bin Jabir Al-Thani at the Great Hall of the People. The two sides agreed to step up bilateral friendly and cooperative relations.

Wen hailed the development of bilateral ties on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefits over the past 20 years since the two countries established diplomatic ties. He expressed China's appreciation of Qatar's adherence to the one-China policy. Wen noted that breakthroughs had been made in energy cooperation between China and Qatar, which also brought along collaboration in relevant industries. The advantages of economic complementarity of both countries were transforming into real results, he added.

Wen said all countries, regardless of size, could make contributions to world peace and development. China attached great importance to developing relations with Qatar and was ready to maintain high-level exchanges and promote mutual trust with the country. He proposed the two countries focus on cooperation in energy and infrastructure, encourage bilateral investments and expand trade scale, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the areas of culture, education, journalism, aviation and tourism, as well as increase coordination in international and regional affairs.

Sheikh Hamad said Qatar gave top priority to ties with China and had always adhered to the one-China policy, adding that he believed the country would host a successful Olympic Games. Qatar was willing to take the opportunity of the 20th anniversary of the diplomatic ties to develop strategic friendly and cooperative relations and increase political trust between the two countries, he said, adding Qatar would promote mutually beneficial cooperation with China in energy, aviation and investment. Qatar also supported China's efforts in its collective cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and was willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China on international and regional issues of common concern, the prime minister said.

After the meeting, the two leaders attended a signing ceremony of a series of bilateral cooperation agreements concerning energy, culture and education. Prior to the talks, Premier Wen hosted a welcoming ceremony for Sheikh Hamad's visit at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People. Vice-Chairman of the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League (TDSGL) Wang Yifu, Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Vice Chairman of the State Development and Reform Commission (SDRC) Zhang Guobao attended the welcoming ceremony.