Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao met in Paris Wednesday with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and the two exchanged views on issues of common concern.  

Annan, in a visit to Paris, briefed President Hu on his views on the current situations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Africa, praising the Chinese government for its help to African countries and for its active role in peacekeeping missions in the region.

President Hu said China, delighted to see an improving situation in Afghanistan, has made contributions within its power to the country's reconstruction. And the Chinese government will continue to support and cooperate with the UN mission in the country.

Safeguarding security in Iraq is another arduous job for the world body, the president said. China advocates a swift power transfer to the Iraqi people and the new Iraqi government should be broadly-based.

The two sides also exchanged views concerning UN reform. President Hu said the United Nations, the most representative and authoritative intergovernmental organization in the world, plays a significant role in safeguarding world peace and promoting common development.

The Chinese government stands for necessary UN reforms, to better reflect the wishes of all countries, especially those of developing countries.

Annan thanked China for its backing for UN reform as well as its suggestions for the reform plans.

Annan also looked forward to a visit to China this spring, during which he will conduct in-depth talks with the Chinese leadership on issues of common concern.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and other senior Chinese and UN officials took part in the meeting.

President Hu is paying a state visit to France, which is the first leg of his four-nation tour scheduled from Jan. 26 to Feb. 4. He will travel on to Egypt, Gabon and Algeria.

(Xinhua News Agency January 29, 2004)