China keen to support African nations at UN

China attaches great importance to cooperation with African countries within the United Nations and will participate in the selection of the next UN secretary-general in a constructive manner, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday.

Wang made the remarks when meeting with Macky Sall, the former president of Senegal and a candidate for the next UN secretary-general, in Beijing.

Sall said that the leading role of member states of the UN should be respected, and that reform of the organization should be advanced in a gradual and pragmatic manner.

He called for upholding the spirit of the UN Charter, safeguarding the authority and efficiency of the UN Security Council and focusing on the international development agenda.

Sall said that he stands ready to work with China and the international community to strengthen UN solidarity, deepen South-South cooperation, and jointly promote world peace, development and prosperity.

Wang noted that Sall's participation in the selection reflects a firm belief in multilateralism and the UN, and demonstrates a sense of responsibility for safeguarding the common interests of the Global South and Africa.

China will continue to unite with more countries, foster stronger synergy, and promote the UN to better adapt to the needs of the times, so that it can be continuously strengthened through reform, he said.

It will support efforts to revitalize the authority and vitality of the UN to ensure that the organization will better play its central and leading role in international affairs, he added.