(Originally published on 05/19/2014)

Secretary-General meets with Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs

The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Wang Yi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.

Welcoming China's chairmanship of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), the Secretary-General commended China’s leadership in many areas of the United Nations’ work, including through the country’s contributions to the Organization’s peacekeeping operations. He voiced hope that the partnership between the United Nations and China – in the areas of peace and security; sustainable development; and human rights – would continue to grow stronger. In that regard, they agreed on the need to work together on issues related to climate change and human rights, as well as on the Secretary-General’s ‘Every Woman, Every Child’ initiative.

The Secretary-General and the Foreign Minister discussed issues related to peace and security in Asia, including regional cooperation, Myanmar, and the Korean Peninsula, as well as maritime concerns. They also discussed the situations in Syria, Ukraine, South Sudan, the Central African Republic and Libya.

Shanghai, China 18 May 2014

Secretary-General urges China's continued support on sustainable development

The Secretary-General visited the Shanghai Institute for International Studies (SIIS), the city’s premiere institute for the study of international politics, economy, and security strategy, on 19 May 2014. He held a roundtable discussion with SIIS scholars and gave a well-received keynote speech on global inequality and security issues, highlighting the conflicts in Syria, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, and the Ukraine, as well as the maritime tensions in Asia.

"This is a time of enormous challenge,” the SG noted in his opening remarks. "I look to China to provide global leadership, and I look to all of you to provide ideas and encouragement … We must never forget that all tensions are best resolved through dialogue and in accordance with the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.”

He noted some long-term risks and trends, among them growing inequality, the rise of intolerance, and prevalent injustice which all contribute to the aggravating insecurity. To overcome these and other challenges, the UN "must rise to the moment”, he said stressing that a series of efforts will be crucial over the next 18 months, the deadline to reach the Millennium Development Goals.

The Secretary-General expressed hope that the UN and China can further work together to promote sustainable development and South-South cooperation in poverty alleviation around the world. According to a UN spokesperson, the Secretary-General also commended China for its “strong support and contribution” to the UN’s work to promote peace and security.

Shanghai, China 19 May 2014

Secretary-General meets with President of China

The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China.

The Secretary-General expressed his deep gratitude to China for its strong support and contribution to the work of the United Nations to promote peace and security; sustainable development; and human rights.

He underscored the importance of conflict prevention, taking note of China’s key role in this as the chair of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

He and the President discussed issues related to peace and security in Asia, including the Korean Peninsula and maritime issues. They also discussed the situations in Ukraine and Syria.

Shanghai, China 19 May 2014

Secretary-General meets with Premier of China

The Secretary-General met yesterday with H.E. Mr. Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.

The Secretary-General commended China’s active, growing and crucial role in addressing global challenges, including sustainable development, energy and health.

He also lauded China’s strong leadership on the issue of climate change, voicing hope that the country will present both its national and global climate vision for the future at the Secretary-General’s Climate Summit on 23 September.

Beijing, China 20 May 2014

Secretary-General visits Xinhua News Agency

The Secretary-General visited the headquarters of Xinhua News Agency, the Chinese state press agency, in Beijing on 20 May 2014 and met with Xinhua president Li Congjun.

The Secretary-General expressed his gratitude to Xinhua for working actively with the UN and delivering messages on peace and development to the world in eight different languages.

"I hope Xinhua will be more engaged in working with the UN and international community," remarked the Secretary-General.

Mr. Li commented on past global campaigns launched by the UN and Xinhua on issues such as child welfare, world poverty, sustainable development, and HIV/AIDS, and said Xinhua will continue to produce comprehensive and timely reports to support the UN’s mission in China and contribute to global public welfare.

Following the meeting with President Li, the Secretary-General gave an interview with Xinhua and also took the time to visit the television studios and multimedia centre.

Beijing, China 20 May 2014

Secretary-General meets with President of Pakistan on sidelines of CICA

The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Mamnoon Hussain, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, on the margins of the Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia.

 The Secretary-General and the President discussed the security and human rights situation in Pakistan, as well as the country’s relations with Afghanistan.

 The Secretary-General also expressed his deep gratitude for the impressive contribution to UN peacekeeping operations of Pakistan, which is among the Organization’s top three troop- and police-contributors. He noted that Pakistani troops are performing admirably, often under difficult circumstances.

Shanghai, China 20 May 2014

Secretary-General meets with President of Russia on sidelines of CICA

The Secretary-General met today in Shanghai with H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, on the margins of the Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia. They exchanged views on how to address current challenges to international peace and security, in particular the situations in Ukraine and Syria.

On Ukraine, the Secretary-General and President Putin agreed that the crisis can only be resolved politically and through an inclusive political dialogue.  The Secretary-General noted that the forthcoming presidential elections are an opportunity to move forward towards long-term peace and stability in the country.

On Syria, the Secretary-General and President Putin discussed opportunities for a long-overdue political solution and the urgent need to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation of millions of refugees and internally displaced persons.

Noting the imperative for a legal agreement on climate change by the end of next year, the Secretary-General reiterated his invitation to world leaders to attend the September 2014 Climate Summit in New York.

The Secretary-General offered condolences for today’s train accident in Russia and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

Shanghai, China 20 May 2015

Secretary-General meets with State Councilor of China

The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Yang Jiechi, State Councilor of the People’s Republic of China.

The Secretary-General commended China for the leadership it has displayed at the United Nations, including through its active participation in UN peacekeeping.

He and Mr. Jiechi agreed on the importance of dialogue in resolving disputes in Northeast Asia, including on the Korean Peninsula.

They also discussed climate change, with the Secretary-General reiterating his invitation to world leaders to attend the September 2014 Climate Summit in New York.

Shanghai, China 21 May 2014

Secretary-General meets with President of Iran on sidelines of CICA

The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Hassan Rouhani, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on the margins of the Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia.

On the situation in Syria, the Secretary-General and President Rouhani exchanged views on how to set the country on a path of peace through a political solution. They also discussed how to ensure humanitarian assistance reaches millions of refugees and internally displaced people.

The Secretary-General expressed his hope that progress in the P5+1 negotiations would resolve outstanding international concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

Shanghai, China 21 May 2014

Secretary-General meets with President of Afghanistan on sidelines of CICA

The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Hamid Karzai, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
 
The Secretary-General welcomed the announcement of the results of the 5 April election, calling this an important process for the country. He added that a successful and peaceful political transition would be a significant accomplishment for Afghanistan’s Government.
 
He said that the United Nations will continue to work with international partners to support the Afghan-led election processes and will remain committed to Afghanistan after the elections are completed.
 
The Secretary-General extended his condolences to the victims and survivors of the recent flooding and landslides which killed hundreds of people.
 
Shanghai, China 21 May 2014

Secretary-General meets with President of Sri Lanka on sidelines of CICA

The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka, on the margins of the Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia.
 
The Secretary-General and President Rajapaksa discussed developments and the Government's efforts related to reconciliation, political dialogue and the protection of human rights in Sri Lanka.
 
Shanghai, China 21 May 2014