On the afternoon of December 17, 2003, Premier Wen Jiabao met with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan at the UN headquarters. The two sides held friendly talks on the current international situation and UN roles.

Wen noted that the current international situation is now undergoing deep changes with both traditional and non-traditional security issues interweaving. Problems relating to terrorism, AIDS, drugs and cross-border crimes emerge endlessly, and the gap between the poor and the rich is increasing throughout the world. Under such circumstances, all countries should work hand in hand to cope with the severe challenges confronting the human race.

On the role and reform of UN, Wen said that UN is most representative and authoritative, the tenets and principles of the UN Chapter are still the cornerstone of the international relations and its role must be put into play. Quoting that it is good for codes to change in accordance with situations and times, Wen said that UN needs rational and necessary reform in face of the new situation, task and challenges. He said that China supports the High-level Panel of Eminent Personalities which was established for the purpose of UN reform, and is willing to continue to strengthen cooperation with UN.

Annan noted that UN is faced with tremendous challenges with regards to meeting the requirements of the times. He extended his thanks to China and many other countries which support the proposals raised by the newly-founded High-level Panel of Eminent Personalities on UN reform. Annan highly appreciated China's active assistance to the economic development of African countries and the participation of UN peacekeeping in the African mainland. He also positively evaluated the great efforts made by the Chinese government on prevention against AIDS. He said that recently Premier Wen went to a hospital in person to see AIDS patients, which has embodied the high attention attached by the Chinese government to the issue of AIDS, and Annan hoped the international society further strengthen cooperation to conquer AIDS at an early date.

Annan reiterated to Wen that UN would firmly pursue the One China policy.

The two sides also exchanged views on the major international issues.

After the meeting, the two sides jointly met with journalists and took up their questions.