On December 19, 2006, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations Wang Guangya met with outgoing UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan at the UN headquarters.

Wang conveyed the greetings from President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao to Secretary-General Annan, saying that during his 10-year tenure as UN Secretary-General, Mr. Annan has upheld the concept of multilateralism, helped strengthen the role of the United Nations and made unremitting and outstanding contributions to world peace, common development and global cooperation. Mr. Annan's efforts have helped build up trust and confidence of all nations in the United Nations and are highly acclaimed by the international community, Wang sad.

Wang also delivered autograph letters from Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing respectively to Annan. In the letters, Tang and Li said China upholds multilateralism and is always committed to safeguarding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and supporting the UN's important role in international affairs. In the past ten years, the cooperation between the United Nations and China has been enhanced. The Chinese government highly appreciates the UN's understanding and support for China's position on Taiwan and other questions involving its core interests, they said. China is ready to work with all other countries to continue to advance the reform of the UN, strengthen its role and try to build a harmonious world featuring lasting peace and common prosperity. They wished Secretary-General Annan and his wife smooth work and life in the future and welcomed them to visit China again at their convenience.

Annan thanked for the special greetings from President Hu and Premier Wen, as well as the autograph letters from State Councilor Tang and Foreign Minister Li. Hailing China's amazing development, Annan said under the outstanding leadership of Chinese leaders, China has witnessed rapid economic growth, with its people living and working in peace and its national strength growing fast, and has made unique contributions to international peace and common development. Annan spoke highly of China's great support for his work during the past ten years and hoped China will continue to support the reform of the UN as well as its bigger role, and promote development of multilateralism. Annan also accepted the invitation to visit China with pleasure.

Kofi Annan, 68, was born in Ghana. He became the 7th Secretary-General of the United Nations on January 1, 1997 and will end his job on December 31 this year. Former Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Ban Ki-moon will take over Annan's duties as the UN chief.