On November 29, SEPA Minister Zhou Shengxian met with UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner, who was coming to attend the 2007 Annual General Meeting of China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development. Both sides exchanged views on keeping close ties in the environment field.

(Photo Source: Deng Jia from China Environment News)

Minister Zhou Shengxian highly commented Mr. Steiner and his organization's concerns with and efforts for the country's environmental protection cause. He said in order to carry out the grander environmental plans and meet the targets for improving the environmental quality, China faces tough tasks for environmental protection, which needs not only the unremitting efforts of its own, but also the full-dimensional and multi-level environmental cooperation with the international community with an attitude of openness and honesty. For years, UNEP has kept good ties with China, and both sides have achieved a lot in cooperation in various areas. China will support UNEP's work as before, constantly deepen and extend the cooperation, share the experience and make common progress.

Mr. Zhou argued that as one of the integral parts of the world environmental issues, environmental protection in Africa deserves worldwide attention. As a responsible developing country, China exercises strict regulations in order to comply with the environmental standards and reduce pollution emissions during the supports for African economic construction, and constantly enhance the self-discipline. For the future, we will expand the cooperation with African countries in the environment field and give them full supports on personnel training and environmental education.

Mr. Steiner was full of confidence in the perspective of cooperation between China and his organization. He hoped to contribute more to the worldwide environmental protection by the close partnership of both sides and fruitful cooperation in more areas.