The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Yang Jiechi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.  The Secretary-General expressed his appreciation for China’s close cooperation with the United Nations, as well as its role in promoting peace, security and sustainable development.

The Secretary-General and the Foreign Minister focused on the deteriorating situation in Syria, with its alarming regional implications, and the need for the international community to work together in resolving it through a peaceful political process.

They welcomed some recent progress in negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan.  They called for international action to address problems in the Sahel region, and stressed the importance of Rio+20 and sustainable energy for all.