Chinese Vice Premier Qian Qichen told the visiting United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, on Monday that the Chinese government advocates international cooperation in the area of human rights and hopes to further promote cooperation with other countries in this regard.

During a meeting with Robinson, Qian hailed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the development and implementation of human rights technical cooperation programs between Vice Foreign Minister Wang Guangya and Robinson.

Qian said China has taken an active part in the UN human rights activities in recent years, and has held human rights dialogues and exchanges with many countries of the world, in an effort to enhance understanding, reduce disparities, learn from each other and seek common progress.

The vice-premier pointed out that dialog is the only way to solve disputes among different nations in the human rights issue, saying that some disputes in today's world are triggered off by racial discrimination and racism.

He said the Chinese side supports all efforts of the international community in the fight against racism.

Robinson praised China for its active role in enhancing international cooperation on human rights issues.

She said Monday's signing of the MOU represents a new milestone of cooperation between her office and the Chinese side, and her office is willing to make joint efforts with China in intensifying such cooperation.

Robinson arrived here Monday at the invitation of the Chinese government.

(People’s Daily 11/20/2000)