凤凰楼品茶app官网_一品楼ypllt_唐人阁trg官网入口_QM品茶坊阁楼

On the afternoon of August 31, President Xi Jinping met at the Tianjin Guest House with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an, who is in China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025.President Xi noted that China and Türkiye are both major emerging countries and important members of the Global South. Both countries uphold the spirit of independence. The high-level development of China-Türkiye relations serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and the common interests of the Global South. The two countries need to follow the trend of the times featuring peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit, help each other succeed on the path toward national prosperity, take the China-Türkiye strategic cooperative relationship to new heights, and work together for a more just and equitable global governance system.Noting that next year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Türkiye, President Xi called on the two sides to take this opportunity to bring bilateral relations to a new level. First, we need to cement political mutual trust, offer mutual support on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, and enhance counterterrorism and security cooperation. Second, we need to deepen practical cooperation, enhance the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Middle Corridor Initiative, advance the development of the southbound passage of the China-Europe Railway Express, upgrade cooperation in such traditional areas as economy and trade, culture and tourism, and foster new highlights of cooperation in new energy, 5G, biomedicine and other fields. Third, we need to strengthen multilateral coordination, maintain close coordination within the United Nations, the G20, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and other frameworks, jointly uphold the international order and rules, defend international fairness and justice, and contribute to world peace and stability.President Erdo?an said that Türkiye places high importance on growing relations with China. It hopes to have close high-level exchanges with China, jointly pursue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, increase the level of trade and investment, enhance cooperation in infrastructure, new energy, agriculture, food, healthcare and other fields, promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges in education, tourism and other areas, and achieve strong and sustained growth of bilateral relations. Türkiye will be firmly committed to the one-China principle. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is about to hold the largest summit since its founding. Türkiye is ready to strengthen cooperation with China within the SCO and promote the development and prosperity of the region and the world. Türkiye appreciates China's just position on Middle East issue and is ready to work with China to uphold international fairness and justice.Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and Chen Min'er, among others, were present at the meeting.

On the evening of August 31, President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan held a welcoming banquet in the Tianjin Meijiang Convention Center for the international dignitaries attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025 in China.By the Haihe River, the lights are sparkling.More than 20 foreign heads of state and government and their spouses from SCO member states, observer states, dialogue partners and guests of China as current SCO President, as well as 10 heads of international organizations including the United Nations Secretary-General, arrived at the venue successively. Honor guards lined up to render honors. With the celebrated national melodies of various countries played in the background, the international dignitaries proceeded down the red carpet through a magnificent array of flags consisting of the participating countries' national flags, the SCO flag and the U.N. flag.Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan warmly welcomed the foreign leaders and their spouses. They shook hands cordially, exchanged greetings, and posed for a group photo.Accompanied by the welcoming melody, Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan, together with the distinguished guests, proceeded into the banquet hall.In his speech, President Xi Jinping extended a warm welcome to all distinguished guests attending the SCO summit in China on behalf of the Chinese government and people.President Xi Jinping stressed that since its founding, the SCO has stayed committed to the Shanghai Spirit, strengthening solidarity and mutual trust, deepening practical cooperation, and taking an active part in international and regional affairs. The SCO has grown into a significant force in promoting a new type of international relations and building a community with a shared future for humanity. At present, the century-defining transformation is accelerating across the world, with a marked increase in factors of instability, uncertainty, and unpredictability. The SCO thus bears an even greater responsibility for maintaining regional peace and stability and promoting development and prosperity of all countries. This Summit is tasked with an important mission: to build consensus among all parties, ignite momentum for cooperation, and draw up a blueprint for development. It is believed that with the collective efforts of all parties, this Summit will be a complete success and the SCO will play an even greater role, achieve greater development, and make greater contribution to strengthening solidarity and cooperation among the member states, pooling the strength of the Global South, and promoting the cause of human advancement.President Xi Jinping pointed out that Tianjin is an open and inclusive metropolis. It has served as a strategic guardian city for the nation's capital throughout history, and pioneered China's reform and opening up as a pilot zone. In recent years, Tianjin has implemented the national strategy of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei coordinated development, and written its new and dynamic chapter in advancing Chinese modernization. It is believed that as the host of this Summit, Tianjin will give fresh impetus to the sustainable development of the Organization.After the banquet, Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan, together with the distinguished guests, watched the gala performance?Together We Build A Brighter Future, which featured the charm of mutual learning and harmony among civilizations and the inspiring force of unity and cooperation within the SCO family as its members strive together for a? brilliant future.Cai Qi, Wang Yi, Chen Min'er, Wang Xiaohong, among others, were present at the banquet.Before the banquet, the distinguished guests viewed the display of Tianjin intangible cultural heritage.

Tianjin, August 31, 2025Dear?Colleagues,Distinguished Guests,Ladies and Gentlemen,Friends,Good evening.?Tonight, we are gathered here?by?the glittering banks of the?Haihe River?in Tianjin, a city defined by its embrace of waters from all corners. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I?welcome?all our distinguished guests?to Tianjin.Today?is a joyful day for leaders of SCO member states to have this happy gathering with old and new friends. It is also the Independence Day?of Kyrgyzstan and the National Day?of Malaysia. I wish to take this?opportunity to?offer our heartfelt congratulations to President Sadyr Japarov, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and the friendly peoples?of Kyrgyzstan and Malaysia.Tianjin?is an open and inclusive metropolis. It has served as a strategic guardian city for our nation's capital throughout history, and pioneered China’s reform and opening up as a?pilot zone. In recent years,?Tianjin has implemented?the national strategy of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei coordinated development, and written?its new and dynamic chapter in advancing?Chinese modernization. We believe that as the host of this Summit, Tianjin will give fresh impetus to the sustainable development of our Organization.Since its?founding, the SCO has?stayed committed to the Shanghai Spirit, strengthening solidarity and mutual trust, deepening practical cooperation, and taking an active part?in international and regional affairs. The SCO has grown into a significant force in?promoting?a new type of international relations and building a community with a shared future for humanity.At present, the century-defining transformation is accelerating across the world, with a marked increase in factors of instability, uncertainty, and unpredictability. The SCO thus bears an even greater responsibility for maintaining regional peace and stability and promoting development and prosperity of all countries.At this Summit, we are tasked with an important mission: to build consensus?among all parties, ignite momentum for cooperation, and draw?up a?blueprint for development.?Tomorrow, I will join?our colleagues at?the Meeting of the Council of Heads of Member States. We will also convene the?"SCO Plus" Meeting with?leaders of non-SCO members and international organizations. We will focus on how to strengthen cooperation, promote development, and improve?global governance.I am confident that with the collective efforts of all parties, this Summit will be a complete success and the?SCO will play an even greater role, achieve greater development, and make greater contribution to strengthening?solidarity and?cooperation?among the member states,?pooling the strength of?the Global South,?and promoting the cause of human advancement.As a Chinese saying goes, "In a race of a hundred boats, those who row?the?hardest will lead." Let us uphold?the Shanghai Spirit?and set out from Tianjin on a new voyage?filled with hope toward an even brighter future.Now, please join me in a toast:To a?productive and?fruitful?Summit;To the advancement of the SCO's goals?and tasks;To the development and prosperity of all countries and the well-being of our?people;?andTo the health of all distinguished guests and?your?families.Cheers!

On the afternoon?of August 31, 2025, President Xi Jinping met at the Tianjin Guest House with?Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025.President Xi noted that during his state visit to Viet Nam in April, the two sides reached important consensus on advancing the building?of the China–Viet Nam community with a shared future under the new circumstances. Government departments and local authorities on both sides need to accelerate the implementation so that the comprehensive strategic cooperation between the two countries will deliver more tangible outcomes. In the context of the accelerating global transformation unseen in a century and the fluid and volatile international situation, China and Viet Nam need to firm up confidence in their paths and systems, step?up solidarity and cooperation, and steer the ship of the community with a shared future steadily forward in the right direction.President Xi extended congratulations on the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and underscored China's support for Viet Nam in successfully convening the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam. He expressed China's readiness to deepen exchanges on party and state governance with Viet Nam, maintain high-level exchanges, and take well-coordinated steps to advance bilateral strategic cooperation. The two sides need to actively promote cooperation in connectivity, digital economy, and artificial intelligence, and enhance experience sharing in the development of free trade zones and special economic zones, so as to facilitate their respective modernization drive. Continued efforts should be made to ensure the success of the commemorative activities marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the Vietnamese youth's "red study tours" to China, and develop more programs to bring the two peoples closer together. It is important for the two sides to strengthen multilateral cooperation and uphold the shared interests of the Global South.Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh conveyed the cordial greetings of General Secretary To Lam and President Luong Cuong to General Secretary and President Xi Jinping, and noted that the frequent high-level exchanges between the two parties and the two countries reflect their profound friendship featuring "camaraderie plus brotherhood." Viet Nam and China share common strategic interests and are fellow companions in the journey of socialism. Viet Nam sees growing its relations with China as a strategic choice and top priority in its foreign policy. Viet Nam is ready to foster greater strategic synergy with China, expand trade and investment, enhance connectivity, deepen people-to-people exchanges, stand united and look out for each other with a view to jointly advancing modernization, which serves the interests of both countries and contributes to global peace and stability. Viet Nam is heartened to see China's significant development achievements and its important contributions to the world economy. The three major global initiatives proposed by President Xi have steered global governance and offered China's wisdom and proposals to address common challenges. The upcoming SCO Summit is unprecedented in scale. Viet Nam will uphold the "Shanghai Spirit" and work with China to contribute to the organization's greater development.Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and Chen Min'er, among others, were present at the meeting.

At noon on August 31, 2025, President Xi Jinping met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tianjin.The meeting of the leaders of the world's two most populous countries took place ahead of a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to be held in north China's port city of Tianjin from Sunday to Monday.Xi told Modi that China and India are each other's development opportunities rather than threats.As long as the two countries keep to this overarching direction, specific matters in the bilateral relations will fall into place and there will be steady and sustained progress in bilateral ties, Xi said.He said China and India are important members of the Global South, and shoulder the crucial responsibility of improving the well-being of the two peoples, promoting the solidarity and rejuvenation of developing countries, and advancing the progress of human society.They should become good-neighborly friends and partners that help each other succeed. A "cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant" should be the right choice for the two countries, he added.Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic ties, Xi said the two countries need to view and handle the relationship from a strategic and long-term perspective.While the successful meeting between Xi and Modi in Kazan last year enabled the China-India relations to have a reset and start anew, the two sides should pursue a further improvement of ties from the Tianjin meeting onward, according to the Chinese president.Xi called on the two countries to strengthen strategic communication and deepen mutual trust, expand exchanges and cooperation to achieve mutual benefit and win-win, accommodate each other's concerns and get along in peace and harmony, and strengthen multilateral coordination to safeguard shared interests.The two Asian neighbors should combine their strength to maintain peace and tranquility in their border regions, and should not allow the boundary question to define the overall China-India relations, Xi said.Xi called on the two countries to work together for a multi-polar world and greater democracy in international relations, and to make due contributions to peace and prosperity in Asia and the wider world.Modi said since his meeting with Xi in Kazan last year, the bilateral relationship has been back on a positive trajectory, peace and stability in the border regions have been maintained, and direct flights are about to be resumed.Noting that India and China are partners, not rivals, and the consensus between the two countries far outweighs their disagreement, Modi said India is ready to view and develop bilateral ties from a long-term perspective.Given the great uncertainties in the world economy, it is vital for India and China to strengthen cooperation as important economies of the world, Modi said.India is prepared to seek a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement of the boundary question with China, he said.Both countries pursue strategic autonomy and an independent foreign policy, and their bilateral relationship is not subject to the influence of any third party, said the Indian prime minister, adding that India-China cooperation will make the 21st century a genuine "Asian century."Senior Chinese officials Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and Chen Min'er were present at the meeting.?

On?the morning of August 31, President Xi Jinping met at the Tianjin Guest House with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, who is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization?Summit 2025 and the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.President?Xi Jinping noted that since the beginning of the?year, the two leaders have had two successful meetings, during which they made?a comprehensive plan for the development of China-Kyrgyzstan relations and reached?broad?consensus on deepening all-round?cooperation. China will?continue to work with the Kyrgyz side to extend firm mutual support, strengthen the alignment of?development strategies, jointly pursue?modernization and national revitalization, and build a close China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future.President Xi Jinping stressed that China and Kyrgyzstan should build on past foundation and?make pioneering efforts?to open new vistas for bilateral relations, and expand?practical cooperation?in both breadth and depth. The two countries should have a higher level of trade and investment, deepen connectivity, better harness science and?technology, and expand cooperation in emerging areas such as clean energy, green minerals and artificial intelligence. The two countries should enhance cooperation in areas such as culture, tourism, education, and?health, and foster greater amity between their?peoples. China will fully support Kyrgyzstan in taking over the rotating presidency of the SCO and in playing a bigger role in international and regional affairs. China is ready?to enhance coordination with the Kyrgyz side on multilateral occasions, and jointly defend the international system with the United Nations at its core, so as to make new contributions to peace and development in the world.President Japarov noted that China is a good neighbor and a good friend of Kyrgyzstan. There is an old saying in China: "An amicable and close neighbor is an invaluable asset of a nation." The most valuable advantage for Kyrgyzstan is to be the neighbor of China. Whenever in time of?difficulty, the Kyrgyz side would always receive China's firm support and assistance. Under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has achieved great development and grown into an important engine of the?world economy. The Kyrgyz side is willing to learn?from China's experience, and enhance cooperation with China in areas such as connectivity, clean energy, artificial intelligence, and scientific and technological innovation, so as to bring more benefits to the people. On the Taiwan question and other issues concerning?China's core interests, the Kyrgyz side will, as always, firmly support China's position. During China's rotating presidency of the SCO, the organization has enhanced its influence, and made solid advances?in cooperation across the board. The Kyrgyz side is willing to enhance coordination with China?to push for new progress in?the SCO's development. The Kyrgyz side highly commends and supports the Global Development?Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by China, and stands ready?to enhance multilateral coordination with China?and jointly uphold international fairness and justice.The two sides signed multiple bilateral cooperation documents in areas such as connectivity, human resources, civil aviation, and subnational cooperation.Cai Qi, Wang Yi, Chen Min'er, among others, were present at the meeting.

On?the morning of August 31, President Xi Jinping met at the Tianjin Guest House with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, who is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025 and the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.President Xi Jinping pointed out that the peoples of China and Belarus, fighting?side by side in the past, made important contributions to defeating?militarism and fascism, and?forged a profound?friendship. At present, century-defining transformation is?accelerating across the world, and humanity?once again stands at a crossroads. China is willing to work with the Belarusian side to shoulder the responsibilities of the times, practice true multilateralism, and jointly advance peace, development, and win-win cooperation?in the world.President Xi Jinping stressed that the China-Belarus all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership has enjoyed?high-quality development, and the two sides should continue to extend firm mutual support?on issues relating to each other's core interests and major concerns. The two sides should advance?high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, strengthen the alignment of?their development strategies, and continue to cultivate?new highlights and growth drivers?for their cooperation. The two sides should fully harness?the outcomes of?the China-Belarus years of science and technology innovation from 2024 to 2025, and accelerate the development of new quality productive forces?to facilitate the?development and revitalization?of both countries. The two sides should expand exchanges on education, culture, tourism, youth and at subnational levels, and foster greater amity between their?peoples.?The?two sides should enhance?coordination in multilateral mechanisms such as the SCO and BRICS, and work for the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.President Lukashenko noted that every time he came to China, he would always be deeply impressed by the country's vibrant development and progress. Under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping, China is committed to pursuing a?path of development?that suits its national conditions. Having achieved great success in development,?China now faces?an even?brighter prospect, and no force can stop China's development and revitalization. In international and regional affairs, China keeps a just position, upholds?multilateralism, and defends fairness and justice. China has played a leading role in fostering cooperation within multilateral mechanisms such as the SCO, and made?major contributions to?peace and stability on?the continents of Asia and Europe, and in the wider?world. Belarus is an all-weather partner to China and a friend that can always be relied upon. Belarus is ready?to work with China to increase?exchanges on governance experience,?deepen practical cooperation across the board, and?bring bilateral relations to new heights.The two sides signed multiple bilateral cooperation documents in areas such as science and technology, finance, metrology, media, transportation, and?customs inspection and quarantine.Cai Qi, Wang Yi, Chen Min'er, among others, were present at the meeting.

On the morning of August 31, 2025, President Xi Jinping met at the Tianjin Guest House with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025 and the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The two leaders announced the establishment of a strategic partnership between China and Armenia.President Xi underscored that China and Armenia enjoy a time-honored friendship, which has grown ever stronger over time. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 33 years ago, the two countries have respected and trusted each other, and benefited and learned from each other, leading to the sustained, sound, and steady development of bilateral relations. The establishment of the strategic partnership is an important milestone in the history of China-Armenia relations. The two sides should carry forward their traditional friendship, lend each other firm support, deepen cooperation in various fields, and strive for continuous progress in bilateral relations from a new starting point.President Xi stressed that the two sides should work together to pursue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, strengthen connectivity, and promote exchanges in such areas as education, science and technology, culture, and tourism, to deliver more benefits to the two peoples. China supports Armenia in joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and stands ready to work with Armenia to practice true multilateralism and build a community with a shared future for humanity.Prime Minister Pashinyan noted that under the leadership of President Xi, China has made remarkable development achievements. Armenia hopes to learn from China's experience to boost its own economic and social development. The establishment of the strategic partnership will elevate Armenia-China relations to a higher level and bring new opportunities and vitality to bilateral cooperation. Armenia is firmly committed to the one-China principle. It looks forward to expanding economic and trade cooperation with China, maintaining close coordination in international and regional affairs, and promoting greater development of bilateral relations.The two sides issued the Joint Statement Between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Armenia on Establishing the Strategic Partnership, and signed multiple bilateral cooperation documents in such areas as market regulation, metrology, and media.Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and Chen Min'er, among others, were present at the meeting.

In?the morning of August 31, President Xi Jinping met at the Tianjin Guest House with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization?Summit 2025 and the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.President Xi Jinping?pointed out that China and Azerbaijan are good friends and good partners. Over the past 33 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have enjoyed increasingly deepened traditional friendship and continued to strengthen political mutual trust, and their mutually beneficial cooperation has yielded fruitful results. In April this year, the two sides announced the establishment of the China-Azerbaijan comprehensive strategic partnership, ushering in?a new chapter of all-round?cooperation between the two countries. China and Azerbaijan are companions on the?journey?towards development and revitalization. China is willing to work with Azerbaijan to maintain the robust?momentum of bilateral cooperation, and jointly?open new vistas in the pursuit of win-win development.President Xi Jinping stressed that the two sides should maintain strategic communication and give firm?support to each other. The two sides should foster greater synergy between their development strategies, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, accelerate?trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, continue to enhance the efficacy of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, expand cooperation in traditional areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, and energy, and cultivate?new growth drivers?for cooperation in emerging areas such as digital economy, green development, and artificial intelligence. The two sides should strengthen?exchanges on education, science and technology, culture, tourism, youth and at subnational?levels, so as to pool greater?resources and strengths?and firm up the popular foundation?for the development of bilateral relations. China supports Azerbaijan in joining the SCO, and stands ready?to enhance multilateral?coordination?with Azerbaijan in a joint effort to?safeguard the common interests of the Global South, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.President Aliyev noted that the Azerbaijan-China comprehensive strategic partnership demonstrates the high?level of?bilateral relations. The two countries have maintained close high-level exchanges, extended mutual support?on issues relating to each other's core interests and major concerns, and actively advanced cooperation across the board. Two-way trade?between the two countries has registered?rapid growth. The Azerbaijani side?firmly abides by?the one-China principle and opposes "Taiwan independence." Azerbaijan is willing to work with China to deepen cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, science and technology, connectivity, and tourism, so as to bring greater?benefits to the two peoples. Azerbaijan is willing to deepen cooperation with China within the SCO and jointly contribute to peace and development in the region and the world.The two sides signed multiple bilateral cooperation documents in areas such as artificial intelligence, scientific and technological innovation, finance, and media.Cai Qi and Wang Yi, among others, were present at the meeting.

On the morning of August 31, 2025, President Xi Jinping met at the Tianjin Guest House with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025 and the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.President Xi noted that China and the Maldives share common aspirations and stand together through thick and thin. Last year, the two presidents agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and to build a China-Maldives community with a shared future. Since then, Belt and Road cooperation between the two countries has made positive progress, and their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership has continued to deepen, bringing tangible benefits to people in both countries.President Xi stressed that China will continue to support the Maldives in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and in exploring a development path suited to its realities. China will strengthen its wide-ranging exchanges with the Maldives, including between political parties, legislatures, and government bodies, so as to enhance mutual understanding and trust, and bring the two peoples closer together. The two sides should continue to deepen results-oriented cooperation, effectively implement their Free Trade Agreement, and pursue cooperation in fisheries, marine scientific research, environmental protection, and disaster prevention and mitigation. The two sides should strengthen communication and coordination to safeguard their shared strategic interests and international fairness and justice, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity.President Muizzu congratulated China on the upcoming successful completion of its 14th Five-Year Plan and its remarkable development achievements. China enjoys profound cultural heritage, advocates for a community with a shared future for humanity, and has brought stability to the turbulent world. The close relationship between the Maldives and China sets a good model for equal-footed cooperation between countries of different sizes. The Maldives appreciates China's longstanding support for its economic development and improvement of people's living standards. The Maldives is firmly committed to the one-China principle. It will expand cooperation with China in trade, investment, housing, and tourism, strengthen coordination and collaboration within the SCO and other multilateral frameworks, and jointly build a Maldives-China community with a shared future.Cai Qi and Wang Yi, among others, were present at the meeting.