On the afternoon of April 12, Premier Zhu met with President of the 55th United Nations General Assembly Harri Holkeri at Zhongnanhai.

Zhu pointed out that the international situation is undergoing the most profound changes since the end of the Cold War. The general international situation is moving towards relaxation. Pursuing peace and development has been the common aspiration of the people in the world. But securing world peace and development will not be easy. Multi-polarization is the inevitable trend of the times. Under the current situation, sovereign equality and non-interference in other nation's internal affairs are not outdated concepts, but instead should be the basis of establishing the new international political and economic order. While economic globalization has helped world economies to develop, it has also widened the gap between the rich and the poor worldwide, and now the conflicts between the North and the South have become even more prominent. If this situation continues, it will be difficult to advance the common development of all nations and to realize the common prosperity of the world.

The Premier said that the authority and important role of the United Nations, the inter-governmental organization with broadest representation in the world, are irreplaceable by any other international or regional organizations. Zhu noted that at the turn of the new century, mankind faces both new opportunities and challenges, adding that strengthening the role of the UN in the new century is in the best interests of all countries. Holkeri shares Zhu's comments on the international situation and the role of the U.N. He stressed that peace and development are inseparable. The UN has made a great contribution to the development, peace, and security of the whole of mankind. Facts have shown the principles of the UN Charter are still effective, adding that the UN should make reasonable reforms in order to meet the new challenges and strengthen its role in the new century.

Zhu briefed Holkeri on the incident that a US military reconnaissance plane had intruded into China's airspace and caused the crash of a Chinese fighter jet and the missing of the Chinese pilot. He also outlined the Chinese government's solemn position on the incident. The Chinese side, out of humanitarian considerations released the US crew members of the surveillance plane. However, the case has not concluded yet. The U.S. side bears full responsibility for the incident. The Chinese government reserves the right to investigate and affix the responsibility of the U.S. side for the incident.

Holkeri spoke highly of China's important role in international affairs and the UN. He said that he appreciates the positions of China, a permanent member of the Security Council, on major international affairs. China is sure to make further contributions to the role of UN in the new century.

Zhu also briefed the guest on China's domestic situation. He stressed that China will, according to the tenth Five-Year Plan, resolutely carry out the reforms and opening-up policy, continue its independent foreign policy of peace and work for the cause of promoting human peace and development.