On October 11, 2004, the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the advent of cooperation between China and UN agencies to China were held in Beijing. State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and visiting UN Secretary General Kofi Annan cut ribbon for the celebrations. Annan also awarded prizes to Li Lanqing, Huang Hua, Peng Peiyun, Deng Pufang, Wei Yu and Long Yongtu who have made outstanding contributions to the enhancement of cooperation between China and the United Nations in different positions.

State Councilor Tang and Annan each delivered a speech. Tang spoke highly of the role played by UN agencies in China in the country's reform and opening-up process and modernization drive.

Tang pointed out that the world is undergoing major profound changes and there is still a long way to go before we can achieve truly global development. China supports the UN's leading role in promoting global development and agrees that the United Nations focuses its attention on the realization of the Millennium Development Goals. China is willing to strengthen cooperation with the United Nations to promote common development of the whole world.

Annan said UN agencies in China have conducted productive cooperation with China in various fields and the two sides forged strong relationship over the past 25 years. The United Nations would continue to support China's economic and social development and is willing to work with China to enrich their cooperation and promote common development.

The celebrations were hosted by UN agencies in China.