Chinese President and Honorary President of the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) Hu Jintao met with President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Jakob Kellenberger in the Great Hall of the People

On the afternoon of July 20, 2005, Chinese President and Honorary President of the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) Hu Jintao met with President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Jakob Kellenberger in the Great Hall of the People.

Hu sang high praise for the important role of the ICRC in international humanitarian affairs and made positive remarks on the friendly exchanges and cooperation between the RCSC and the ICRC.

Hu noted that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the Red Cross undertaking and supports RCSC's active participation in the work of the ICRC and long-term cooperation with the Red Cross Society of other countries. With the advance and progress of China's socioeconomic cause, the Chinese government and people expect to make greater contributions to protecting human life and health and promoting the peaceful coexistence and harmonious development of mankind.

Kellenberger thanked the Chinese government for its consistent support for the ICRC and active assistance in establishing the ICRC's East Asia delegation in Beijing. He stressed that the ICRC emphasizes the role of China in the international Red Cross movement and expects to conduct closer cooperation with the Chinese government and the RCSC in the international humanitarian field.

RCSC President Peng Peiyun, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and RCSC Executive Vice President Jiang Yiman were also present at the meeting.

At the invitation of the RCSC, Kellenberger arrived at Beijing on July 19 for a two-day working visit. On behalf of the ICRC, he signed the agreement on the establishment of ICRC's East Asia delegation in Beijing with the Chinese government.