On September 18, 2006, the high-level meeting on the mid-term review of the implementation of the Program of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2001-2010 was held in the United Nations New York headquarters. Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing attended the meeting.

The objective of the Program of Action is to reduce by half the population living in absolute poverty and hungry population by 2015 and to realize a 7% annual GDP growth rate between 2001 and 2010.

Speaking at the meeting, Li pointed out that all parties should actively implement their commitment to the Program of Action. The developed countries should realize the objective set by the United Nations that their official development assistance should account for 0.7% of their gross national income, use 0.15-0.20% of their gross national income for the least developed countries and grant the "zero tariff and no quota" market access to all the exported goods of the least developed countries not later than 2008.

It is said that China has offered 1,701 assistances to 49 least developed countries and built 799 sets of programs, exempted 36 least developed countries from 172 debts, granted zero tariff to part of the goods of the least developed countries having established diplomatic ties with China, and actively participated in the multilateral debt relief program.

The meeting will adopt a statement reiterating the commitment of all parties to the Program of Action.

On the same day, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing attended the foreign ministers' meeting on the Iraqi issue. In his speech, Li stressed that China hopes to see an Iraq enjoying national reconciliation, peace and stability, respect for human rights and economic development.

Li also met with Sudanese President Omar el-Bashir on the same day. Bashir introduced the situation of Sudan and said that the over 8% of economic growth rate of Sudan is attributable to its cooperation with such countries as China, India and Pakistan. On the issue of Dar-fur, the Sudanese government proposes to prolong the term of the African Union Mission and opposes the takeover of the Mission by the United Nations. Li noted that China is committed to developing the friendly cooperation with Sudan and supports Sudan in maintaining the national sovereignty and territorial integrity. China understands the concerns of Sudan on the takeover and holds that the takeover should obtain approval of the Sudanese government. We hope that Sudan will show necessary flexibility so as to build peace and stability in Sudan as soon as possible.