Premier Li backs bigger UN global role

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has backed the United Nations playing a bigger role in international affairs as the 70th anniversary of the organization draws near.

The international community should take the anniversary as an opportunity to review history, look into the future, and abide by the rules and principles of the UN Charter, said Li in a Monday meeting with Helen Clark, administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

He said China was ready to work with other countries, on the basis of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), to map out a blueprint for the world's development in the coming 15 years, reduce poverty and cope with global challenges such as climate change.

Li said he hoped the UNDP could continue to promote global balance and sustainable development.

China, a founding member of the UN and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, will work with other countries to contribute to global peace and development, and the establishment of a new mode of international relations featuring cooperation and reciprocity, according to Li.

Clark spoke positively of China's achievements in realizing the MDGs. She also thanked China for its support to the UNDP and voiced willingness for more cooperation in poverty reduction and sustainable development.