Vice Premier Qian Qichen met with the visiting UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs. Mary Robinson at Zhongnanhai on November 20.

Qian extended welcome to Robinson and congratulated her on the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between her Office and the Chinese side. Qian said that the Chinese Government has always advocated and committed itself to international cooperation in the field of human rights. In recent years, China has actively participated in the United Nations human rights activities and has conducted a series of human rights dialogues and exchanges with many countries in the world, with a view to promoting mutual understanding, narrowing differences, learning from each other and making common progress. As it has been proved, dialogue is the only correct way of dealing with the differences between countries over human rights issues.

Qian pointed out that some disputes existing in today's world are triggered by racial discrimination and racism. The Chinese side supports various efforts made by the international community against racism. We attach great importance to and support the World Conference against Racism to be held next year.

Robinson appreciated the opportunity to meet with Vice Premier Qian Qichen. She agreed with China's position on strengthening international human rights cooperation and spoke highly of the positive role China has played in this field. Robinson said that she came to China to sign the Memorandum of Understanding, a milestone in the cooperation between the UN Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Chinese side, which has laid down a good foundation for future cooperation between the two sides. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights stands ready to work together with the Chinese side to push forward the cooperation.

Robinson arrived in China on November 20 for a two-day visit at the invitation of the Chinese Government. In the afternoon, Vice Foreign Minister Wang Guangya and Mrs. Robinson signed the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the Mutual Agreement to Cooperate in the Development and Implementation of Technical Cooperation Programs.