SECRETARY-GENERAL ARRIVES IN BEIJING FOR FIVE-DAY VISIT

Press Release
SG/T/2035

SECRETARY-GENERAL ARRIVES IN BEIJING FOR FIVE-DAY VISIT

BEIJING, 25 March -- Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali arrived in Beijing Sunday, 24 March, on a five-day mission aimed at strengthening relations between the United Nations and China.

He was received at Beijing's Capital Airport by Vice-Foreign Minister Li Zhao-xing, who served as China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations until May 1995.

Before leaving the airport for the Diaoyutai State Guest House, the Secretary-General chatted with members of the diplomatic corps and the representatives of the United Nations agencies.

While in the Chinese capital, the Secretary-General will discuss China's crucial role in global affairs, and in the United Nations in particular, with President Jiang Zemin, Premier Li Peng, and Vice-Premier and Foreign Minister Qian Qichen.

The Secretary-General will seek the views of China, a permanent member of the Security Council, on new ways the United Nations can work to reinforce international peace and security and to promote development.

He will also solicit ideas from Beijing leaders on how best to resolve the Organization's financial crisis.

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