CHINA> National
Premier voices support for UN Millennium Development Goals
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-09-25 07:10

Visiting Premier Wen Jiabao on Tuesday expressed China's firm support in realizing the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and hoped dialogue will stimulate an active response worldwide.

Wen made the remarks while meeting with the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in New York.


Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L) shakes hands with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York, the United States, September 23, 2008. [Xinhua] 

The world is now tackling three major issues: global peace, international financial stability and the MDGs, Wen said.

Poverty is the key factor that has caused regional instability, he said.

Turbulence in the financial world, oil price hikes, and the shortage of food, will make the situation even more difficult for poor countries, he said.

Wen said he hoped the UN talks, which are to be held today, will help push forward the implementation of the MDGs.

Ban said Wen's participation at the UN meeting was of great significance to the world body and its members.

He praised China's efforts in earthquake relief work and the successful holding of the Beijing Olympic Games.

Ban said he hopes Wen will share China's experiences in developing its economy with other countries.

Premier Wen, who arrived in New York on Tuesday morning for the UN meeting on the MDGs and the general debate of the 63rd UN General Assembly, accepted an exclusive interview with Fareed Zakaria, international editor of Newsweek and a program host of Cable News Network the same afternoon.

He answered questions relating to China's reform and opening up, economic development and foreign policies.

Wen also spoke of China's stance on world issues and Sino-US relations.

Later in the day, the premier held a meeting with former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

Yesterday, he met with his Italian counterpart Silvio Berlusconi, Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, Colombian President Alvaro Uribe and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

China Daily