A large signboard reading "UN's 60th Anniversary. Thank You, China" caught the attention of passers-by on crowded Wangfujing Street in downtown Beijing on Friday afternoon. UN organizations in China were jointly holding a thank-you ceremony here.

Before unveiling the sign, Khalid Malik, UN resident coordinator in China, said the event was being held at the UN'S 60th anniversary to thank China for its contributions to the UN.

Right next to the huge "Thank You," there was another large sign in the UN's iconic blue that showed examples of China's contributions to the world body.

According to the sign, more than 500 Chinese nationals are currently serving as UN staff both in China and around the world, contributing to the work of UN agencies and programs.

China has sent more than 3,000 military personnel, policemen and civil servants on UN peacekeeping missions, with around 1,500 still working in 11 different countries and regions, the sign says.

After the December 26 tsunami in 2004, China contributed more than US$20 million to UN agencies to support their recovery and reconstruction efforts in the countries affected by this terrible tragedy.

A photo exhibition by UN-based Chinese photographer Jiang Rong was another highlight of the event. His photos featured portraits of UN officials showing, he said, "a clear and exhaustive image of the UN."

Written under the picture of Chen Jian, a Chinese official with the UN, is "The UN is a meeting place -- meeting of peoples, meeting of minds, and hopefully, meeting of interests."

(Xinhua News Agency October 22, 2005)