UN reform should consider African countries: Chinese FM spokesman

United Nations (UN) reform should take into consideration developing countries, especially African countries, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao Tuesday.

The summit of world leaders for UN reform to take place in September should pay close attention to developing countries, particularly development-related issues for African countries such as poverty, diseases and fund shortage, Liu told reporters at a regular press conference.

Liu made the remark when asked to comment on the decision adopted by the African Union (AU) Executive Council to demand no less than two permanent seats in the UN reform summit. The decision was made by the Executive Council's 7th extraordinary session from March 7 to 8 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

China is in favor of enhancing the UN's role and authority through necessary and reasonable UN reform, said Liu. Reform should take into account suggestions from various sides and address their concerns. Meanwhile, the AU's position should be valued and taken into consideration.

There is no world peace or development without stability and prosperity in Africa, Liu said. Africa is the largest continent with the most developing countries, and China hopes the African countries could play bigger role in every UN organization, including the Security Council, Liu said.