Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Sun Yuxi said in Beijing Wednesday that China is ready to promote cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on "a gradual basis and through equal consultation."

Sun made the remark while briefing journalists on the recent visit to China by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, who was here Monday and Tuesday as guest of the Chinese government.

During the visit, Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Vice Premier Qian Qichen met with Robinson. She also attended a symposium on economic, social and cultural rights.

Under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) Robinson signed with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Guangya, the two sides will carry out a technical cooperation program in the area of human rights.

Sun said that during the China visit, Robinson exchanged views with her Chinese hosts on human rights issues and "further enhanced mutual understanding" in that regard.

Robinson described the signing of the MOU as "another significant move following China's signing of the two international human rights covenants", and her visit to China as "satisfactory", according to the spokesman.

(Xinhua 11/22/2000)