UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan will arrive in Beijing on
Saturday to begin his official visit to China. He will meet with
Chinese President Hu Jintao
and other senior government officials in Beijing during his
stay.
UN spokesman Fred Eckhard said that Annan will also visit an
eco-village and HIV/AIDS testing center, and he will tour the
Chinese peacekeeping training center at Langfang, Hebei
Province.
In an interview with Chinese reporters shortly before his
departure, Annan said that China, as a permanent member of the UN
Security Council, plays an important role in the world body.
Moreover, China’s dynamic economy, he said, has an impact around
the world and the country is playing an increasing important role
in the global economy.
Annan said that he wanted to express his thanks to China for its
participation in UN peacekeeping operations.
China currently provides close to 1,000 military and police
personnel to 12 peacekeeping operations.
The UN chief said he appreciated the opportunity to travel to
China periodically to exchange views with leaders on UN-China
relations and global development.
Annan said he would discuss issues like UN reform and the
implementation of the Millennium Development Goals during his
stay.
(Xinhua News Agency October 8, 2004)