Visiting UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Sunday praised China's efforts to protect World Heritage sites, saying he was quite satisfied with the country's achievements in this field.

Annan toured the renowned Mount Huangshan and Xidi Village, a well-preserved ancient village, in east China's Anhui Province. The two scenic resorts have been added to the list of World Cultural and Natural Heritage sites, and World Cultural Heritage sites respectively.

He inquired about the measures taken by the local government to protect the ecological environment of the two sites. Annan said it is was absolutely correct for UNESCO to include the two sites on the World Heritage list, and he was very satisfied with the environmental protection work.

Ambassador Wang Guangya, China's representative to the UN who is accompanying Annan on his China tour, said the Chinese government continues to actively identify and nominate candidates for inclusion as World Heritage sites, and makes concerted efforts to protect them.

Annan arrived in Beijing on Friday afternoon for five-day visit to China. This is his seventh visit and also the last in his capacity as UN secretary-general.

Before his arrival at picturesque Huangshan on Friday evening, Annan met with President Hu Jintao in Beijing on Friday afternoon.

Annan met with Premier Wen Jiabao today. During his stay, he is also scheduled to meet State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, tour the main Olympics stadium and address students at the prestigious Peking University.

(Xinhua News Agency May 22, 2006)