On September 29, 2009, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Zhai Jun met with the joint press delegation composed of 18 senior journalists from 9 mainstream media of West Asian, Central Asian and North African countries including the United Arab Emirates, Syria, Jordan, Qatar, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Egypt and Sudan. Zhai extended welcome to the delegation which paid the visit on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the founding of New China. He expressed hope that the journalists will accurately introduce what they see, hear and feel to their people at home and play a bridging role in building the friendship between the Chinese people and the people of their countries and pushing for healthy and steady development of China's relations with these countries.

Zhai introduced in details China's enormous achievements over the past 6 decades since the founding of the People's Republic of China, especially the past 30 years since reform and opening up and made positive comments on China's relations with West Asian, Central Asian and North African countries. He emphasized that China is ready to build political mutual trust, advance pragmatic cooperation and maintain communication and coordination in international and regional issues with the countries of these regions. Zhai also upon request answered questions on the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the Middle East, Darfur and other issues.

The journalists expressed congratulation on the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and highly praised China's rapid development. They also expressed admiration for China's positive role in international affairs, pledging that they will commit to introducing China's ever-changing development outlook to their people and promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between the Chinese people and the people of their countries.