UN reform should focus on development, Chinese premier

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in Beijing Monday that the United Nations reform in the next stage should give priority to the development issue for the benefit of the developing nations.

The UN reform has made positive progress, said Wen in a meeting with the visiting UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. It is especially important for the UN to function effectively under the current circumstances, Wen said.

The UN should enhance its authoritativeness and improve its efficiency and coordination capability through its reform so as to contribute to maintaining world peace and promoting common development, Wen added.

Wen said China will firmly fulfil its commitment to the Millennium Development Goal and continue its efforts to eliminate poverty.

China will actively participate in the international cooperation and help more developing countries erase poverty and pursue development, said Wen.

China has been cooperating well with the UN and will continue to support the UN and the secretary-general's work, said Wen.

Annan spoke highly of the important role China has played in safeguarding world peace, promoting common development and boosting international cooperation, adding China has been supportive of the Millennium Development Goal and provided long-term help for the African countries.

China has also made important contribution to the prevention of bird flu, AIDS and malaria, said Annan, pledging that the UN will continue to enhance cooperation with China in various fields.

Source: Xinhua