Q: Would you please brief us on the visit to China by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mrs. Mary Robinson?

A: At the invitation of the Chinese Government, Mrs. Mary Robinson, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, visited China from November 20 to 21. Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Vice premier of the State Council Qian Qichen met Mrs.Robinson respectively. Vice Foreign minister Wang Guangya signed with her a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on technical cooperation in the field of human rights between the two sides. Mrs. Robinson also participated in a seminar on economic, social and cultural rights organized by the Chinese side. During Mrs.Robinson?s visit, the Chinese side exchanged views thoroughly with her on human rights, which further deepened the mutual understanding. Mrs. Robinson indicated that the MOU she signed with the Chinese side was another significant progress achieved by China in the field of human rights since it signed the two international covenants on human rights. She was satisfied with the outcome of her visit to China.

The Chinese Government has always attached importance to cooperation with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. It stands ready, on the basis of consultation on an equal footing and step by step approach, to work for continued positive progress in the bilateral cooperation.