BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao said Friday that the role of the United Nations should be bolstered in handling the global economic downturn, achieving sustainable development, and safeguarding world peace and security.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) meets with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in Beijing, China, July 24, 2009. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) Photo Gallery>>>

    As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and the largest developing nation, China has always observed the principles of the UN Charter, supported the UN's efforts to improve security, development and human rights and its reform to increase efficiency, Hu said to visiting UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon Hu.

    "China will continue to join in the UN undertakings and carry out its duties with responsive and constructive attitude, and will work with the international community to build a harmonious world," Hu said.

    Ban Ki-Moon praised China's achievement in economic and social progress, as well as its contribution to overcoming world economic recession, food crisis and climate change.

    Also on Friday afternoon, Ban presented at a seminar of senior Chinese officials who have taken part in UN workshops on advanced leadership, a capacity building program established in 2005.

    Ban asked the officials, who came from various ministries, banks and state-owned companies, to put their knowledge learned in the workshops into practice.

    He stressed the importance of tackling the international financial crisis and climate change with joint efforts from the international community, and suggested China establish a low-carbon economy.

    Li Yuanchao, head of the Organization Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, lauded the UN workshops, and asked the world community to support the Chinese government's strive for harmony, pledging to enhance cooperation with the United Nations Development Program.

    Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi also met with Ban on Friday.

    Ban arrived in Beijing Thursday evening to have a four-day China trip with climate change atop his agenda.

    Ban will travel on Saturday to northwestern city of Xi'an, an ancient Chinese capital, to continue his China tour.

Premier: China supports UN's leading role in int'l co-op on climate change

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) meets with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in Beijing , China, July 24, 2009. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government supports UN's leading role in promoting international cooperation to curb climate change, Premier Wen Jiabao said here Friday.

    Wen made the remarks while meeting with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who arrived here Thursday evening for a four-day visit. Full story