China supports UN in better playing central, leading role in international affairs: top diplomat

BEIJING, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Macky Sall, a former president of Senegal and a candidate for the next United Nations (UN) secretary-general, in Beijing Monday, expressing support for the UN better fulfilling its central, leading role in international affairs.

Sall said UN reform should be advanced in a gradual and pragmatic manner, while upholding the authority and efficiency of the UN Security Council and focusing on the agenda of international development.

He expressed firm adherence to the one-China principle, appreciation for China's long-standing commitment to promoting multilateralism and supporting the central role of the UN, support for the four major global initiatives, and willingness to work with China and the rest of the international community to strengthen unity within the UN, as well as deepen South-South cooperation.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said defending, revitalizing and strengthening the UN represents the shared aspiration of its member states.

China will continue to rally more countries and advance the growth and development of the UN, Wang said. The next secretary-general should respond positively to the calls of the member states and attach importance to the legitimate aspirations of the Global South, he added.

Wang said as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China attaches great importance to cooperation with African countries within the UN, and will take part in the selection for the next secretary-general in a responsible and constructive manner.

Former president of Guinea-Bissau Umaro Sissoco Embalo also attended the meeting. Enditem