On April 6, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan met in the Great Hall of the People with Colombian Foreign Minister Maria Carolina Barco Isackson who was accompanying President Alvaro Uribe Velez on his Chinese tour.

Both sides made positive remarks over China-Colombia relations, indicating they would like to make joint efforts to deepen bilateral mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields.

As for the relationship between China and the Andean Community, Tang noted China attaches importance to the role of the Andean Community and relations with the organization, and hopes to continuously expand bilateral cooperation in such fields as telecommunication, energy, business and human resources training so as to uplift bilateral cooperation to a higher level. Barco said the cooperation between China and the Andean Community has already enjoyed a good foundation and the Colombian side would like to make active efforts to promote bilateral cooperation in various fields.

With regard to the reform of the United Nations, Tang said China is in favor of enhancing the United Nations' role and authority through reform and increasing the representation of developing countries. It is inappropriate to set a timeframe for the reform or to force a vote when the parties hold significantly different views on the reform plan. The member states should carry on democracy to try to reach a broad consensus on the basis of substantial consultation. Barco agreed with Tang on his opinion. She said the reform of the United Nations is necessary and should be comprehensive. It should not be limited to the reform of the UN Security Council only. The reform of the UN General Assembly and Economic and Social Council should also be included. A broad consensus by various parties should be reached.