¡¡ ¡¡BEIJING, Oct. 11 (Xinhuanet) -- Visiting United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Kofi Annan called Chinese peacekeepers "well-trained" with "good special knowledge" at a press conference following his talks with Chinese F oreign Minister Li Zhaoxing here on Monday.

    Annan said he already expressed his appreciation to Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing for the Chinese peacekeeping forces' outstanding performance in UN peacekeeping missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Haiti and other regions.

    He acknowledged China has played an active role not only in peacekeeping missions but also in major security problems such as the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

    The Chinese government has consistently supported the UN's efforts in safeguarding world peace and regional security and China takes pride with these personnel stationed in countries far away from their homes to maintain international peace and regionalsecurity, Li said.

    So far, approximately 10 batches of Chinese peace-keepers including 800 military personal, 150 policemen and women and civilian personnel had been sent overseas to join the peacekeepingmissions of the United Nations.

    Another 125 Chinese peacekeepers are expected to set off shortly for Haiti for a new U.N. mission.

    "Some young Chinese peace-keepers even laid down their lives during their missions. And the Chinese people and their governmentwill always remember them," Li said.

    Kofi Annan arrived here Saturday for a five-day official visit to China at the invitation of the Chinese government, This is his sixth visit to the country as the UN Secretary-General. Enditem