Statement from Governor Gregoire Regarding Meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao

For Immediate Release: April 18, 2006

�President Hu Jintao and I had a very successful meeting this afternoon and I am pleased that we were able to discuss the issues most important to Washington � education, trade and health care.

�President Hu was particularly receptive of my thoughts on education and responded very positively when I shared with him the work we have done to improve the education system in Washington.

�He commented that he was taking into serious consideration my suggestion that China open a trade office in Seattle

�I was honored to hear that my trade mission to China last year was very significant to the Chinese government and that it played a big role in the President�s decision to travel to Washington before heading to Washington, D.C.

�President Hu was open to all of my suggestions and I feel we have built a strong base from which we can continue discussions.�


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