China Monday pledged to continue to play an active role in the United Nations (UN) and support the international body.

The pledge came out of the meeting between Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping and President of the 65th UN General Assembly (PGA) Joseph Deiss.

As the world's most universal, representative and authoritative international body, the UN should and will be able to continue to play an important role in international issues, Xi said.

Xi said China is a champion and practitioner of multilateralism.

He said China plays an active role in all UN work and keeps in close contact with the international body.

"China will, as always, actively support the work of the United Nations and President of the General Assembly," Xi told Deiss.

Deiss, the Swiss foreign affairs chief before being elected PGA in 2010, arrived in Beijing on Saturday for a four-day visit.

Deiss expressed appreciation for China's role in the UN and his hope China will help the UN play a bigger part in international affairs.

Deiss said the UN will step up communication and cooperation with China.

Xi and Deiss exchanged views on the UN millennium development goals, UN reform, the environment and sustainable development.

Deiss travelled to southwest China's Chongqing Municipality on Saturday and Sunday.

(Xinhua News Agency January 11, 2011)