On April 28, 2006, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, Executive Director of United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) and Mr. Shafqat Kakakhel, Acting Executive Director of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi during his state visit to Kenya.

Hu said that UN-HABITAT has made positive contributions in promoting the development of human settlements and advancing the sustainable development of the world. UNEP has played an important role in helping to resolve the global environmental problems, promoting international cooperation in the area of environment and helping developing countries strengthen their capacity building in environmental protection.

Hu emphasized that China is always active in participating in international cooperation in the field of human settlements and environmental protection. We are grateful for the great care and long-term support provided by HABITAT and UNEP to China's endeavors in human settlements and environmental protection. China will consolidate the exchange and cooperation with HABITAT and UNEP and wishes to support the work of the two programmes in all fronts.

Hu stressed that environmental protection is a fundamental national policy of China. The development of human settlements is an important component of building a well-off society. China has set up clear goals for human settlements development and environmental protection in the 11th Five-Year Plan. China is striving to build an energy-saving and environment-friendly society. The key here is to save energy resources, improve ecological environment and promote urban reconstruction. We will intensify our efforts to improve the ecological environment and advance the undertaking of human settlements.

Tibaijuka thanked Hu for his visit. She said that China has many good practices and important experiences in developing human settlements, which HABITAT is spreading in other regions of the world. China also provides much assistance to the African people in the field of human settlements and housing, which HABITAT highly recognizes.

Kakakhel stated that UNEP praises China for prioritizing environmental protection and for making important efforts to this end. China has been a long-term and dedicated supporter of UNEP's work. The cooperation between the two sides at the bilateral, regional and global level is developing steadily. UNEP looks forward to deepening cooperation with China so as to jointly deal with environmental challenges mankind face.

Hu was warmly received by the UN staffs during his visit to the headquarters of UN-HABITAT and UNEP. Following the meeting, Tibaijuka, Kakakhel and Hu planted trees on the lawn of the headquarters for memory.