UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan will arrive in Beijing on Saturday to begin his official visit to China. He will meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao and other senior government officials in Beijing during his stay.

UN spokesman Fred Eckhard said that Annan will also visit an eco-village and HIV/AIDS testing center, and he will tour the Chinese peacekeeping training center at Langfang, Hebei Province.

In an interview with Chinese reporters shortly before his departure, Annan said that China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, plays an important role in the world body.

Moreover, China’s dynamic economy, he said, has an impact around the world and the country is playing an increasing important role in the global economy.

Annan said that he wanted to express his thanks to China for its participation in UN peacekeeping operations.

China currently provides close to 1,000 military and police personnel to 12 peacekeeping operations.

The UN chief said he appreciated the opportunity to travel to China periodically to exchange views with leaders on UN-China relations and global development.

Annan said he would discuss issues like UN reform and the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals during his stay.

(Xinhua News Agency October 8, 2004)