President Hu Jintao said in Beijing Wednesday that China will be more actively involved in Red Cross activities and conduct long-term cooperation with the Red Cross organizations of other countries.

"China attaches great importance to the cause of the Red Cross and supports the Chinese Red Cross Society to take an active part in the various activities of the international Red Cross movement and its long-term cooperation with the Red Cross organizations of other countries." Hu told Jakob Kellenberger, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Hu, also honorary chairman of the Red Cross Society of China, said with China's economic and social development and progress, the Chinese government is ready to make more contributions to the protection of people's life and health and the promotion of the peaceful coexistence and the harmonious development of all human beings.

Hu spoke highly of the ICRC's "important role" in international humanitarian affairs and its friendly exchanges and cooperation with China's Red Cross Society.

Kellenberger said the ICRC values China's role in the international Red Cross movement and hopes for closer ties with the Chinese government and the Chinese Red Cross Society.

On Wednesday morning, Kellenberger signed an agreement with Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, formally announcing the establishment of an ICRC representative office in Beijing.

Founded in 1863 in Geneva, the ICRC is an independent institution of a private character. It plays an important part in providing medical aid and emergency food supplies in many countries, inspecting prison conditions and tracing missing persons.

(Xinhua News Agency July 21, 2005)