12 April 2001

Before concluding his five-day visit to China, the President met with Premier Zhu Rongji and briefed him about his visit, including the meeting with Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan and his visit to Shanghai. Premier Zhu assured the President of China's support to the UN and to the President's work. During their meeting the President also raised the issue of the Millennium Summit follow-up and stressed the importance of involving civil society, including the private sector, in the process.

The President later held a press conference, which was hosted by the UNDP. He noted that his visit to China had been very good and successful. He then went on to say that his talks with the Foreign Minister Tang had ranged from the Millennium Summit to issues related to UN peacekeeping operations. Also some regional issues, such as the Korean Peninsula, had been touched upon. The President noted that all the discussions were held in very good atmosphere and that he had been very pleased to note the strong support of the Chinese Government to the United Nations.