China's UN Ambassador Zhang Yesui on Friday expressed support for strengthening the United Nations' coordination in the international community's relief efforts for Haiti.

"The United Nations is a universally recognized agency for international humanitarian relief and development," Zhang told a plenary session of the UN General Assembly.

"In the areas of humanitarian relief, early recovery, reconstruction and long-term development, the United Nations not only enjoys the authorization of member states, but also has expertise and technological advantage," he said.

To enhance coordination on humanitarian assistance and strengthen planning for the reconstruction efforts are the two priority areas for disaster relief in Haiti at this point, he said.

On the one hand, the United Nations needs to maintain close cooperation with the Haitian government, integrate the disaster relief endeavors of all parties, and improve the efficiency of the relief efforts, he said.

On the other hand, to make effective use of the international aid, it is imperative to take the issue of reconstruction into full account at the current rescue and relief phase and integrate it into the efforts for disaster relief, he said.

"We hope that the United Nations will strengthen coordination in this regard," Zhang said. "We support the early establishment of a UN reconstruction coordination mechanism through effective planning and speedy action, which will help coordinate international relief efforts in Haiti,make the best use of the relief funds and facilitate the reconstruction efforts."

He said that the Chinese government "appreciates the timely and effective response made by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the relevant UN agencies in disaster relief."

(Xinhua News Agency January 23, 2010)