On March 16, Foreign Minister LI Zhaoxing met in Beijing with visiting speical envoy of the United Nations Secretary General on the Issue of Lebanon and Syria Larson.

Li noted that the issue of the Middle East involves various complex factors and special situations such as history, religion, economy and energy security. The international community should look at the issue comprehensively and solve it foundamentally in a fair and balanced attitude. China will continue supporting the role of the United Nations and Secretary General on the issue of the Middle East.

Larson said that the Middle East situation is fairly fragile and stands at a critical moment. The international community should attach importance to solving the Middle East issue completely. The United Nations expects to stengthen cooperation with China to jointly push for permanent and fair peace in the Middle East at the ealiest date possible.

Assistant Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai held talks with Larson on the same day.