On March 27, 2012, Premier Wen Jiabao met with the Joint Special Envoy of the UN and the Arab League Kofi Annan in the Great Hall of the People.

Wen said that the Syrian crisis has brought disaster to the Syrian people and impacted peace and stability in the Middle East. The Security Council recently released the chairman's statement which explains the major concerns and common aspiration of the international community on the Syrian issue, incorporates the six proposals made by the Special Envoy and indicates full support for the efforts of the Special Envoy. Annan is entrusted with the mission at a critical and difficult moment and shoulders heavy responsibility. The Chinese government will actively support and work with Annan and make joint efforts with the international community to create favorable conditions for the success of the mediation.

He noted that China will intensify communications with the Syrian government and relevant parties, appeal to them to seize the important opportunity at the moment, respond actively with tangible actions to the mediation of the Special Envoy and keep their commitment.

He stressed that the top priority at present is to ensure the safety of life of the Syrian civilians and all parties must stop violent actions immediately, facilitate the international humanitarian assistance and lay down the foundation for the peaceful solution to the Syrian issue through dialogue.

He pointed out that in order to build lasting peace and tranquility in Syria it is fundamentally important to respect the desire of reform of the Syrian people, protect their legitimate rights, grow the economy and improve people's livelihood. It requires the concerted efforts of the Syrian government and all the relevant parties. The future of Syria will be ultimately decided by the Syrian people.

Annan expressed complete agreement on the position and attitude elaborated by Wen on behalf of the Chinese government and thanked the Chinese side for its support. He said that he will keep close communications and collaboration with the international community, including China, intensify efforts to work with the Syrian government and the opposition party according to the six proposals, stop the violence as soon as possible, start the process of political solution, truly protect the fundamental interests of the Syrian people and maintain stability in the Middle East.

Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun was present at the meeting.